[Positron-emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT in head and neck cancer - recommendations of an interdisciplinary consensus conference].

Background: Today's available therapeutic options in head and neck cancer patients have led to better treatment modalities tailored to the individually clinical staging of the patients towards a risk adapted tumour management. This, however, is only possible with an accurately pretherapeutic diagnostic regimen and closely posttherapeutic follow-up.

Methods: These issues were discussed by nuclear medicine experts, otorhinolaryngologists, oral surgeons, radiologists, radio-oncologists and oncologists in a meeting that took place in Pörtschach, Austria, on 05 May 2006.

[Surgical treatment options in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer].

In Austria, around ten new cases of laryngeal cancer can currently be expected per 100.000 persons each year whereas three out of 100.000 men develope hypopharyngeal cancer.