<b>NECKCHECK PROJECT. Enhancing diagnostic accuracy in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma through computer-based radiological tools</b>

Physicians frequently interpret radiological imaging tests for head and neck tumors in routine practice, without applying any protocol or systematized models for reading the images. This paper describes a newly developed guidance tool designed to enhance the visualization of radiological images of head and neck cancers, with a specific focus on the oropharyngeal region. The aim is to standardize image interpretation and reduce avoidable diagnostic errors among otolaryngologists. The primary objective of this research is to assess whether the implementation of a radiological checklist—developed through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and integrated into a novel computerized interface—improves diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharyngeal (OPSCC) by otolaryngologists (ENT).<b>Material and methods</b>. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, leading to the development of a radiological reading protocol that was subsequently digitized. A concordance study was designed in which a group of ENTs was presented with a randomized series of head and neck tumor images in two phases: before and after utilizing the tool. The results were compared with reports from specialist radiologists in the field. Diagnostic concordance was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Additionally, descriptive and comparative analyses were performed, employing meta-analysis statistical tests and a mixed-effects linear model with a random effect component