[Computerized tomography of malignancies of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and hypopharynx and invasiveness].

Carcinomas of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx represents 5% of all malignant neoplasms. The vast majority, over 90%, are squamous cell carcinomas; less common are lymphomas and tumors of the minor salivary glands. In general, the clinical findings already suggest the presence of a tumor. Therefore, the role of imaging is precise tumor localisation and staging of the malignancy. CT is still the gold standard, although MRI is gaining more importance. We present the CT appearance of most frequent malignancies of the oral cavity, oro- and hypopharynx, discussing briefly the pertinent anatomy.