CT diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the masses in lateral district of neck

Objective: To analyze the CT findings and the corresponding anatomic basis of the masses arising in the lateral district of neck, and improve the diagnosis. Methods: CT findings in 52 patients with tumours in lateral district of neck, pathologically proved, were retrospectively studied on the size of the masses, morphology, density, margin, contrast enhanced characteristics, location and relationship with adjacent vessels and spaces. Results: Among the 52 cases, masses were located in the prestyloid space in 8 cases, in the parotid in 8, within the masticator space in 2, and in the carotid space in 31. In most of the cases, CT revealed the pathologic nature of the masses and adjacent anatomic structure. According to the displacement of the adjacent spaces muscles and vessels caused by the masses, the origin of the masses could be predicted. The origin of the masses was spatially related to the internal carotid artery and the jugular vein. Conclusion: CT is an effective modality for the positional diagnosis of the masses arising lateral district of neck. Considering the anatomical position and contrast enhanced characteristics and the involvement of the adjacent structure, the qualitative and differential diagnosis can be improved. (authors)