Postsurgical imaging of the oral cavity and oropharynx: what radiologists need to know.

The oral cavity and oropharynx are common locations of neoplastic lesions; neoplasms at these sites are often treated with surgery. The goal of this surgical treatment is to achieve tumor control while preserving, whenever possible, the function of local structures. The procedure used depends largely on the location and extension of the tumor and the disease stage. Follow-up evaluation of patients is done with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The ability to interpret characteristic features at CT and MR imaging is particularly important because normal anatomic structures are altered in specific patterns according to the distinct surgical technique applied. Anatomic changes resulting from the most commonly performed procedures (eg, glossectomy, pelvectomy, and mandibulectomy) will be presented with CT and MR images, multiplanar reconstructions, and schematic illustrations. Understanding of postsurgical CT and MR imaging findings is important to avoid misinterpretation and confusion. Familiarity with the typical postsurgical imaging appearance of the oral cavity and oropharynx is crucial for differentiating normal postsurgical changes from persistent or recurrent disease and for diagnosis of associated second primary malignancies. Knowledge of postsurgical findings is essential for analysis of the oral cavity and oropharynx and allows early diagnosis of tumor recurrence or typical complications after surgical reconstruction.