The value of magnetic resonance imaging in treatment planning of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-1986

Abstract

Seven patients with AJCC Stage T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent both computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) examinations prior to radiation therapy treatment planning. Lateral tumor extension into the infratemporal fossa was visualized by MR as less extensive in three cases than suggested by CT, as was inferior extension into the parapharyngeal soft tissues in three cases. MR clarified uncertainties on CT regarding involvement of the pontine cistern in three patients and of the cavernous sinus in two patients. Posterior extension of tumor was underestimated by CT in four of six cases shown by MR to involve the clivus. MR appeared superior in evaluating the presence of parenchymal brain involvement in three cases. The margins of the final boost treatment fields dictated by MR findings differed measurably from those derived from CT in six of seven cases. These findings lend support for greater utilization of MR in treatment planning of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Volume

12

Issue

12

First Page

2189

Last Page

2196

ISSN

0360-3016

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

3793554

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Article

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