Imaging Recommendations for Head and Neck Lesions

The prescription of the type and frequency of radiographic imaging for head and neck lesions should be determined by medical/dental history, clinical findings, potential diagnosis and existing imaging.^1-3

Given the broad spectrum of disease entities, an individualized approach should be used to select the most appropriate imaging modality for jaw lesions.^1-3,88

Various imaging modalities are utilized by oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral medicine, and orofacial pain disciplines depending on clinical indications like manifestation, history, symptomology, examination findings, laboratory and test results, and therapeutics as relevant to each case.¹ The broad range of imaging modalities such as CBCT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, are possible all of which must be determined through a benefit-risk decision-making process.¹

If pathosis is suspected or identified radiographically, appropriate referral to a specialist may be warranted before additional imaging is completed.¹