Neck pathology on computed tomography
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Neck pathology
Tumors and inflammatory processes
Enlarged cervical lymph nodes are visualized as isolated nodal formations within a single cut and are rarely detected in adjacent sections. In lymphomas of large sizes and in conglomerates of lymph nodes, there are often areas of central necrosis. In these cases, it is difficult to distinguish them from an abscess with central decay. Usually the abscess is surrounded by a zone of infiltration of fatty tissue, the density of which is increased due to edema, resulting in poorly discernible nerve trunks, arteries and veins. In patients with immunodeficiency abscesses can reach very large sizes. After the administration of KB, the outer wall and internal septa of the abscess are strengthened. The same picture is typical for a large hematoma or tumor with decay. In this case, it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis without a detailed study of the anamnesis.
Thyroid
On CT images, the thyroid parenchyma has a uniform structure and is clearly delineated from surrounding tissues. The transverse size of each lobe is 1 to 3 cm, the anterior-posterior one is 1 to 2 cm and the craniocaudal (upper-lower) is 4 to 7 cm. The volume of the thyroid gland varies from 20 to 25 ml. When it is enlarged, it is necessary to check the trachea for compression and possible stenosis, and also to clearly define the lower edge of the thyroid gland.
Benign goiter can spread into the vaginal space and move laterally the vessels located above the aorta.
The structure of the thyroid gland cancer is not uniform and does not have a clear boundary with the remaining unchanged gland tissue.
In the late stage of cancer, the vessels and nerves of the neck turn out to be completely surrounded by a tumor in which the decay sites appear. The walls of the trachea are squeezed and can be infiltrated with a tumor.
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