Learning objectives
To review the key clinical and imaging findings of lymph node mimickers for diagnosis
To provide a practical diagnostic approach for differentiate lymph node from its mimickers
Background
Differentiating lymph nodes from other masses in the head and neck region can be challenging. Patient history and clinical evaluation has crucial role for the diagnosis. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help for evaluation of the cervical lymph node morphology and diagnosing lymph node mimickers.
We purpose to share our experience and give a useful, simplified clinical and imaging approach to differentiate lymph nodes from the mimickers.
Findings and procedure details
Case 1.[Fig 1]
Differentiation submandibular gland masses from lymph nodes
Küttner Tumor: IgG4-Related Disease of the Submandibular Gland[Fig 2]
Characteristically involves the submandibular glands
Diffuse enlargement of the submandibular glands that demonstrates homogeneous density or signal intensity at CT and MRI
Radiologically indistinguishable from primary neoplasm
Key points:
Submandibular space (SMS) is a suprahyoid vertical horse-shoe shaped space below the mylohyoid sling. Major internal contents of the SMS include submandibular gland (SMG), level I lymph nodes, anterior digastric belly muscle and fat.
The first step...
Conclusion
Not only getting detailed clinical anamnesis and physical examination findings but also carefully reviewing prior images and researching for some imaging clues help us correct or best estimated diagnosis to determinate lymph node and its mimickers.
Radiologists should know the key imaging features of the lymph node mimickers. This provides early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Personal information and conflict of interest
T. Hancioğlu:
Nothing to disclose
Y. Pekçevik:
Nothing to disclose
H. Şahin:
Nothing to disclose
F. C. C. Sarioğlu:
Nothing to disclose
A. I. I. Akdoğan:
Nothing to disclose
References
Weissman JL, Carrau RL. Anterior facial vein and submandibular gland together: predicting the histology of submandibular masses with CT or MR imaging. Radiology. 1998 Aug;208(2):441-6.
Patel, S., Bhatt, A.A. Imaging of the sublingual and submandibular spaces. Insights Imaging 9, 391–401 (2018).
Graffeo CS, Van Abel KM, Morris JM, Carlson ML, Van Gompel JJ, Moore EJ, Price DL, Kasperbauer JL, Janus JR, Olsen KD, Link MJ. Preoperative diagnosis of vagal and sympathetic cervical schwannomas based on radiographic findings. J Neurosurg. 2017 Mar;126(3):690-697.
Lonergan GJ, Schwab CM,...