Role of Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System (NI-RADS) in the Prediction of local and Regional Recurrence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Cross Sectional Imaging Modalities

Abstract

Head and neck (H&N) cancers are the sixth most common form of cancers reported worldwide, with squamous cell carcinomas representing more than 90% of these cancers. Loco-regional tumor recurrence occurs in about 20–50% of H&N cancer patients despite the recent advances in the treatment strategies offered for them; tumor recurrence occurs mainly during the first two years after treatment. The main role of post-treatment radiological surveillance is early detection of residual/ recurrent, or second primary malignancies in head and neck cancers treated patients. Post-treatment head and neck imaging assessment can be very challenging; soft tissue changes and anatomical disfigurement which are seen following treatment especially after surgeries and radiotherapy can mimic or obscure pathological lesions, these changes make imaging evaluation after treatment a complicated process.