Diffusion-weighted MRI in head and neck cancer: experience to date and future potential. (August 2013) - Vandecaveye, Vincent
Imaging fulfills a crucial role in the work-up of patients with head and neck cancer, with its main tasks focusing on lesion characterization, staging, treatment planning and prognosis, as well as treatment follow-up. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) measures differences in water mobility in the different tissue microstructures, which is influenced by cellular and vascular size, shape and density, as well as cellular membrane integrity. As such, the technique has the potential to differentiate tumoral tissue from normal tissue, inflammatory tissue and necrosis. Although DWI acquisition and evaluation still lacks standardization, the technique is rapidly developing and continuing to progress into clinical practice. This article aims to give an overview of the current use of DWI in head and neck cancer and discuss the (future) clinical applications.