Magnetic resonance imaging of oropharyngeal cancer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for cross-sectional analysis of head and neck anatomy and pathology. This is especially true with regard to oropharyngeal neoplasms, where soft tissue spread, nodal disease, perineural extension, and osseous involvement may significantly alter therapy and prognosis. In this article, we will provide a background on oropharyngeal cancers and MRI techniques and strategies, describing potential advantages of MRI with regard to particular anatomic subsites of the oropharynx. Future imaging trends in perfusion and diffusion MRI of such cancers are also discussed.