The Utility of CT-based Node Reporting and Data System (NODE-RADS) in Assessment of the Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck Malignant Tumors

Background: Better management choices are made when lymph node involvement in head and neck malignant tumors is accurately assessed using the Node Reporting and Data System (Node-RAD) method. Therefore, we used the NODE-RADS to evaluate lymph nodes in malignant head and neck tumors. Methods: This study included 30 patients with head and neck malignant tumors who were referred from Oncology Department, Zagazig University Hospitals as well as the outpatient clinic for neck MDCT examination with intravenous contrast media, during the period from February 2023 to August 2023. The NODE-RADS system was assessed in all cases. Results: The head and neck NODE_RADS scoring system had accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 93.33%, 95.83%, 83.33 %, 96%, 83% respectively for evaluating lymph node involvement in head and neck cancers and it suggests a clear distinction between benign and malignant cases, with higher NODE-RADS scores strongly associated with malignancy in head and neck cancer cases. Conclusion: It is possible to stratify the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis with good diagnostic accuracy using a straightforward NODE_DADS scoring system for CT features of lymph nodes in cases with malignant tumors of the head and neck. In everyday practice, this thorough and useful NODE_RADS scoring system, which is based on many CT findings, may be useful for determining whether patients with head and neck cancer have lymph node metastases.