Imaging In Oral Cancers – A Practical Approach.

ABSTRACT

Imaging techniques have become an important element in the field of oral oncology. Continued research has led to technical progress in the existing modalities and addition of newer, exiting and highly accurate techniques. Although this is a boon, it has created differences of opinion regarding the ideal choice of imaging techniques. Inappropriate choice of imaging modality can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment thereby inducing more suffering for the patients. This problem is more so with imaging of oral cancers and responsible decisions of oral clinicians and radiologists is of paramount importance. In developing nations, problem is compounded by various other factors like affordability, availability and awareness. Thus, an imaging protocol needs to be devised that helps a clinician choose the best imaging modality for a particular clinical situation. This review illustrates the imaging protocol in the form of a decision tree, describes the various imaging techniques, their utility in evaluation of oral cancers and practical problems associated with these techniques.