ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tumour size, depth of invasion, type and extent of nodal metastasis are some of the key prognostic indicators in operable head and neck cancers. Initial Imaging with USS of neck and FNAC or core biopsy has been established to have a high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, CT neck and thorax and MRI scan of the primary tumour are recommended as part of staging scans. Information from this work up guides the MDT and patients towards a tailored management plan. We aimed to compare preoperative imaging work up and TNM staging with post-operative histopathology. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients who underwent resection and selective neck dissection from January 2020 to August 2021, assessing their initial work up and its adherence to current guidelines. We also evaluated its correlation to final histopathology. Results: 100% compliance was noted with USS and FNAC, 94% compliance with CT and MRI and 96% had incisional biopsy. USS showed a 80 % specificity and a 55% sensitivity. CT had a specificity of 62.5% and sensitivity of 75%. MRI specificity was 58.8% and sensitivity 73.6%. Conclusions: Our results compare favourably to other published data on imaging correlation to histopathology in head and neck oncology. Time lapse between preoperative work-up and surgical resection during COVID pandemic may have led to advanced disease that is not evident on preoperative staging scans. Newer modalities including real time imaging and in-vivo surgical margin assessment remain to be explored.