The PET or PET/CT is typically used for diagnostic triage. The MRI and/or CT is used for actual treatment planning for RT. They need a 3D image for RT Tx planning.

The NCCN guidelines are the "standard of care" - if you accept any less, then you do so at your peril.

Many institutions have mobile scanners that visit them, to facilitate these types of scans, when the institution doesn't have the gear.

Stage II can be tricky. If a node has been found then it bumps the staging to III. More often, I have been seeing people here who were never informed about their staging "bump" after the ND revealed a positive sentinal node or other lymph involvement.

Other diagnostic tests (that should be part of the initial diagnostic workup - pre Tx) that can fall thru the cracks:

Audiology: (if you are getting Cisplatin a baseline hearing test should be performed prior to Tx) during and after Tx as well. Some people can have a hearing loss from Cisplatin. It is rare and if you detect any abnormal hearing conditions, notify your MO immediately. I had a slight improvement in my hearing - go figure.

Creatinine Clearance: This test clears the kidneys ability to handle Cisplatin. They would be guilty of malpractice if they fogot this one.

TSH: This bloodtest will give you a baseline for comparing your thyroid stimulating hormone levels as you progress through RT and beyond. Many doctors order this test every 6 months - almost for life.

There are lots of other tests but these are the common ones that some people don't get (and should), especially audiology and TSH.