The Value Of CT And MR Imaging In The Cervical Masses

Objective: To explore the CT and MR image characteristic of cervical masses, which giving proof in instituting the operative program and evaluating the curative operation.Methods: All the 113 cases cervical masses had been confirmed by operation pathology or biopsy or clinical treatment, and their image appearances were studied and compared carefully.Results: 63 cases image manifestations of 66 cases metastatic lymph nodes in 93 cases cervical lymph nodes diseases were enlarged, rounded and the minimal transverse diameter exceeded 1 cm, 25 of 66 cases metastatic lymph nodes were mixed together, 51 of 66 cases metastatic lymph nodes were central necrosis and ring-shaped enhancement, 28 of 66 cases metastatic lymph nodes were extracapsular spread, which the border of lymph nodes were undefined and infiltrated to adjacent structures. There were significant differences in central necrosis(P=0.024＜0.05) and extracapsular spread(P=0.000＜0.05) of metastatic lymph nodes between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and laryngocarcinoma or tongue cancer. The image manifestations of 14 cases lymphoma were multiple enlarged, defined margin and homogeneous enhancement. 4 cases of lymphoma showed central necrosis, it was significant difference between lymphoma and metastatic lymph nodes(P=0.001＜0.05). The image manifestations of 8 cases cervical lymph tuberculosis were unilateral multiple enlarged, 6 cases of 8 cases cervical lymph tuberculosis showed thick-walled ring-shaped enhancement, it was significant difference between lymph tuberculosis and metastatic lymph nodes(P=0.000＜0.05). The image manifestations of 5 cases cervical lymph nodes inflammation were bilateral multiple without necrosis and mix together, along intemal jugular vein.In 9 cases of cervical neurogenic tumors, one malignant neurilemmoma showed homogenous signal, undefined margin, infiltrated to adjacent structures and destroyed bones. 7 cases neurilemmoma showed defined margin, signal or/and density, heterogeneous enhancement on CT or MR imaging. One glomus jugulare tumor showed "pepper-and-salt" sign.In 7 cases congenital cystic masses of the neck, 2 cases cystic hygroma showed cystic mass which grew along the deep cervical fascia, the border of masses enhanced obviously after enhancement. 4 cases thyroglossal duct cyst showed a cystlike mass in the midline of the anterior neck at the level of the hyoid bone, defined margin and unenhancement. One epidermoid cyst showed a cystlike mass in parapharyngeal space and ring-shaped enhancement.2 cases cervical lipoma showed a mass of local fat mixed together and capsule wall was seen. One case angiosarcoma showed a mass with undefined margin in carotid space, infiltrated to adjacent structures and heterogeneous enhancement. One case parathyroid eosinophilic adenoma showed a heterogeneous and defined margin mass in parathyroid gland region.Conclusion: CT and MR play important roles in positioning and qualitation of cervical masses.