Value of spiral CT in the staging of carcinomas of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and hypopharynx

Purpose. To compare spiral and conventional CT in the staging of carcinomas of the oral cavity,the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Method. Retrospectively 101 conventional CTs and prospectively 107 spiral CTs were analyzed regarding to correct T and N staging. CT results were compared with histological staging. Results. In conventional CT, there were correctly staged 85% of T stages (T1 62%, T2 74%,T3 81%,T4 94%) and 85% of N stages (N0 79%, N1 71%, N2 89%, N3 94%). Spiral CT showed correct results in 84% of T stages (T1 67%,T2 74%,T3 88%,T4 95%) and in 86% of N stages (N0 82%, N1 78%, N2 90%, N3 93%). No statistically significant differences could be found between both CT methods. Conclusion. In spite of the tendency of improved diagnosis of T1, N0 and N1 stages no clear improvement in the staging of carcinomas of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and hypopharynx could be expected by spiral CT.