Table 3.
The positive and negative predictive value of nodal metastasis following imaging exams among various baseline possibilities of neck nodal metastasis
| Imaging Modalities | Baseline possibility of neck nodal metastasis | Positive predictive value* | Negative predictive value& |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CT |
10% |
47% |
95% |
| |
20% |
66% |
89% |
| |
30% |
77% |
82% |
|
MRI |
10% |
27% |
95% |
| |
20% |
46% |
90% |
| |
30% |
59% |
84% |
|
PET |
10% |
36% |
96% |
| |
20% |
56% |
91% |
| |
30% |
69% |
86% |
|
US |
10% |
25% |
95% |
| |
20% |
42% |
90% |
| 30% | 56% | 84% |
*: Possibility of neck nodal metastasis following a “positive” imaging result.
&: Possibility of “absent” neck nodal metastasis following a “negative” imaging result.