Resumen
This article reviews the role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal cancers. Oropharyngeal cancer epidemiology, staging, treatment, response assessment, and disease monitoring are discussed. With regard to staging, response assessment, and monitoring, PET/CT has emerged as the modality of choice in recent decades. This is because PET/CT allows for the combination of precise anatomical information with metabolic activity of the tumor and surrounding structures. In oropharyngeal cancer, PET/CT is currently used to facilitate TNM (tumor, node, metastases) staging, assess tumor response after initial treatment, and monitor long-term for disease recurrence. Innovations in the field continue to improve the utility of PET/CT, and, most recently, applications of artificial intelligence and the development of novel therapeutic tracers have indicated promising new frontiers. Combined with continued advances in surgical, medical, and radiation treatment options, PET/CT is well-positioned to facilitate continued improvement of oropharyngeal cancer care.