Technetium 99m single positron emission computed tomography scanning for assessing mandible invasion in oral cavity cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To study the accuracy of single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning and compare its results to clinical examination, Panorex, and computed tomography (CT) scanning with respect to determining mandibular invasion by oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, and to define the role of SPECT scanning in the preoperative assessment of oromandibular cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of 38 patients who underwent technetium 99m SPECT scanning as part of their preoperative clinical assessment for cancer at risk of invading the mandible. All patients underwent partial or segmental mandibulectomy as part of their surgical management.

METHODS

A data protocol was used to tabulate patient demographics, tumor characteristics and results of preoperative tests as patients were enrolled into the study. Following surgical treatment, these data were correlated with histopathological findings. Detailed analysis was performed to assess the tabulated data.

RESULTS

The SPECT scanning demonstrated an 87% overall accuracy in predicting bone invasion compared with 71% for clinical examination, CT scanning, and Panorex x-rays. The SPECT scanning was significantly more sensitive (95%) than either CT scans (55%) or Panorex x-rays (50%). Notably SPECT scanning demonstrated a considerable improvement in specificity (72%) compared with conventional radionuclide scanning. Although not as specific as CT scanning or plain films, SPECT scanning was significantly more effective in ruling out disease than was clinical examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative SPECT scanning used in combination with clinical examination, CT scanning, and Panorex x-rays to assess patients at risk for mandible involvement by oral cavity cancer can improve the accuracy of predicting bone invasion and help in appropriate treatment planning so as to safely reduce the proportion of disease-free jaws resected.