FDG-PET/CT in Assessing the Tumor and Planning Neck Surgery in Patients With Newly Diagnosed H&N Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Histologically confirmed newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck , including any of the following sites:

  * Oral cavity
  * Oropharynx, including base of tongue and tonsils
  * Larynx
  * Supraglottis
* Stage T2-T4, N0-N3 disease

  * Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection planned

    * No N2c disease (if bilateral disease is present)
  * Has ≥ 1 clinically N0 neck side as defined by clinical exam (physical exam with CT scan and/or MRI)

    * A N0 neck must be planned to be dissected for the patient to be eligible
    * . The N0 neck can be either ipsilateral to the head and neck tumor or the contralateral N0 neck if a bilateral neck dissection is planned
* CT scan and/or MRI taken within the past 4 weeks to confirm SCC of the head and neck

  * Simultaneous diagnostic CT with PET scan allowed; however, PET cannot be used as part of the criteria to define the N0 neck disease
  * For CT scan and/or MR images from other institutions, ACRIN recommends a re-read by a local neuro-radiologist to ensure compliance
* No sinonasal cancer, salivary gland cancer, thyroid cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, or advanced skin cancer

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

* Not pregnant or nursing
* Negative pregnancy test
* Weight ≤ 350 lbs
* No poorly controlled diabetes (defined as fasting glucose level \> 200 mg/dL) despite attempts to improve glucose control by fasting duration and adjustment of medications (optimally, patients will have glucose \< 150 mg/dL)
* No underlying medical condition that would preclude surgery (neck dissection)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

* See Disease Characteristics