Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: MR findings and value of T1-versus T2-weighted fast spin-echo images.

Abstract

An unenhanced T1-weighted sequence should be used as the basic pulse sequence for MR imaging of tumors of the oral cavity. When tumor margins are not clearly delineated with this sequence, T2-weighted FSE and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences should be added. Although both of these sequences provide supplementary information, the contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequence is more useful in delineating the margins and extent of tumors than is the T2-weighted FSE sequence.