18F–FDG PET/CT scan confirmed by pathology findings in a singular case of squamous cell carcinoma of the epiglottis

BACKGROUND: Only about 1% of all head and neck lateral or paramedian cancers described in the scientific literature shows, in staging, contralateral cervical adenopathy without ipsilateral pathological involvement of lymph nodes. CASE PRESENTATION: This case is one of them, in which 18F–FDG PET/CT scan is confirmed by pathology findings, and has correctly identified all metastatic disease foci. CONCLUSIONS: To date, PET/CT is not recommended in head and neck cancer staging. However, the use of PET/CT in head and neck cancer staging can define possible metastatic disease foci, clarify c.e. CT suspicious findings and, in some cases, change the TNM stage, with a strong prognostic and therapeutic impact.