MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTIC LESIONS OF THE NECK

Abstract

Cystic lesions of the head and neck are important entities that are being investigated increasingly frequently by cross-sectional imaging. Patients usually show neck swelling, and after initial clinical examinations, sonography may reveal the cystic nature of the lesion. Further imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often necessary to elucidate the etiology and lesion depth. This illustrated review describes the typical appearances and locations of a range of cystic lesions in the suprahyoid neck on MRI.