Abstract: Positron emission tomography and computed tomography（PET- CT） is at present the most advanced method for metabolic imaging, and is capable of obtaining optimal anatomic and functional fusion images in a very short time. In comparison with traditional imaging methods, PET- CT can more precisely localize and assess the cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck malignancy as well as unknown primary tumor, thus increasing the accuracy of diagnosis and staging. This review addressed on the research in diagnostic uses of PET- CT for the cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck malignancy.