What is the significance of FDG PET-CT?

Imaging plays an important role in the aftercare of head and neck tumors. Regular FDG PET-CT examinations can detect recurrences or metastases at an early stage. In the presence of a primary tumor and unclear neck lymph node status, the question arises after resection of the primary tumor as to whether FDG PET-CT is sufficient in follow-up care or whether a neck dissection should be performed, especially since the latter may induce unnecessary surgical trauma, but allows definitive detection of any lymph node metastases that may be present.