Acurácia da tomografia computadorizada no diagnóstico de metástases regionais de carcinoma de células escamosas de cabeça e pescoço: uma revisão narrativa de literatura

Abstract

Among the malignancies of the oral cavity, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common and comprises a high rate of metastasis in regional lymph nodes. To assist in the diagnosis of such pathology, imaging exams supply being successful, since compared to the physical exam, palpation may present false negatives due to the anatomical variation of each individual. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the accuracy of computed tomography in cases of squamous cell carcinoma through a narrative literature review using a Pubmed/medline database to select articles published in the last 5 years. Based on the studies in the present review, a sensitivity ranged from 36% to 100%, a specificity ranged from 57.89% to 100% and accuracy ranged from 63.8% to 95%, having as reference characteristics such as central necrosis, lymph node diameter, agglomeration, border change and extracapsular spread. The choice of this imaging modality for cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is justified, as it allows the monitoring of tumors or metastases in lymph nodes by size and adjustment changes, aiding in diagnosis, staging and, consequently, prognostic. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]