Nodal spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity detected with PET-tyrosine, MRI and CT.
The uptake of L-1-[11C]-tyrosine (TYR) in cervical lymph nodes of eleven patients with squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity was studied with PET to detect lymphogenic metastases.


METHODS
The TYR-PET results were compared with clinical, MRI, CT, histopathologic findings and historical data of patients studied with FDG. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and the positive and negative predictive values were calculated.


RESULTS
TYR-PET had sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95%. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity for MRI were 33% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for CT were 55% and 91%, respectively. TYR-PET results compared favorably with FDG.


CONCLUSIONS
With TYR-PET, SCC metastases of the oral cavity can be visualized with high sensitivity and specificity. TYR-PET can be an additional tool for further evaluation of neck malignancies.
Braams
J W
JW
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Groningen University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Pruim
J
J
Nikkels
P G
PG
Roodenburg
J L
JL
Vaalburg
W
W
Vermey
A
A
D000368:Aged; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014443:Tyrosine
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D014443:Tyrosine