PET-Computed Tomography in Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Directions.

Head and neck cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide. More than 90% to 95% are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Accurate staging at diagnosis optimizes treatment planning with improved outcomes. Recently, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-computed tomography (CT) has shown tremendous value at diagnosis for accurate staging, treatment planning, and prognostication; and after definitive therapy for assessing response and long-term surveillance. Novel non-FDG PET tracers are under investigation, which have great potential for improving patient care in this era of personalized medicine.