Thermography in the investigation of head and neck tumors

The aim of the study was the assessment of thermography value as a diagnostic modality for a variety of head and neck tumors in clinical setting. Some examples of thermograms in neoplasmatic diseases were shown. Three cases with neck tumors and other three cases with carcinoma of the floor of the mouth and laryngeal carcinoma demonstrating various thermal emossion configurations were presented. Different techniques of thermograms interpretation and analysis (point temperature difference, isotherm, ellipse area) were applied. The possibility of the tumors character and extension evaluation was emphasized. Mechanism of local hypothermia as a result of hyperfusion of the affected region and hypothermia caused by mechanical occlusion of blood vessels were discussed. Thermography was compared to CT, biopsy, ultrasound examination for diagnostic ability. In conclusions the significant value of therography in head and neck tumors diagnosis and its non-invasive nature was empasized. Thermography was estimated as a useful tool in laryngological diagnosis.

Keywords: head and neck tumors, Thermography