Evaluation of cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancer with CT and MRI: tips, traps, and a systematic approach

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013 Jan;200(1):W17-25. doi: 10.2214/AJR.12.8960.

Abstract

Objective: In this article, we present a 4-step approach to evaluating lymph nodes in the setting of head and neck squamous cell and thyroid carcinoma and highlight important tips and traps.

Conclusion: The presence and extent of nodal metastases in head and neck cancer has a great impact on treatment and prognosis. Pretreatment CT and MRI of the neck are commonly performed to evaluate for nodal metastases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Papillary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neck
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*