Role of sonography in post-therapeutic control of tumors of the head and neck area

During a 3 year period 572 high-resolution sonograms were carried out in the follow-up examinations of 348 patients who had been treated for ENT malignancy. Our experiences in routine application of this diagnostic method are described and illustrated by typical sonograms. Ultrasound findings of complications (chylous cysts, seromas, granulomas, fistulae) are demonstrated and the value and limitations of sonography in detecting lymph node metastases and primary recurrences are pointed out. In spite of the high accuracy of this method, it is not possible to differentiate between lymph nodes which are invaded by tumour and those with non-specific lymph adenopathy by echographic criteria only. We used ultrasound for follow-up studies on patients treated by irradiation or chemotherapy. Finally, sonography provided additional information on the exact site and size of the tumor. Real-time sonography is not time-consuming and can be applied without any special preparation of the patient. It has therefore become a satisfactory diagnostic method in the follow-up of patients who have undergone treatment of malignant tumors.