Learning objectives
The aim of our study is to report and describe the main and most frequent imaging semiological featuresof the most common head and neck malignancies in paediatric patients.
Background
The observation of head and neck masses is quite common in paediatric population,
although most of the cases are linked to benign conditions,
in a small percentage of cases – about 5% - it is related to the presence of a malignant neoplasia [1].
Ultrasounds often represent the first level examination in the study of these pathologies for their lack of ionizing radiations and because of the easy access.
However,
for the analysis of the tumour involvement of deep soft tissues,
use of more advanced...
Findings and procedure details
NEUROBLASTOMA
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a malignant tumour of embryonic origins which arises from sympathetic cells which originate from neural crest.
Head-neck primitive location of the neoplasia is rare[2][3].
Tumour imaging features are the basis of all pre-treatment risk classification of NB affected patients.
In head-neck tumours,
ultrasound represent first level imaging technique,
particularly in paediatric patients [6].
On ultrasound examination the tumour appears as a solid heterogeneous echogenic lesion with intralesional fine or coarse calcifications.
Fine calcifications result in a diffuse increased echogenicity of the...
Conclusion
Head-neck district malignant pathologies represent only 5% of paediatric patients neoplasia.
In most cases definitive diagnosis depends on histologic examination.
However,
radiologist plays a fundamental role in staging and risk stratification,
such as,
for instance,
in the emblematic case of neuroblastoma.
Radiologist’s awareness of main imaging features is useful for patients’ management and for correct diagnostic evaluation of such pathologies.
References
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