Ultrasonographic anatomy of head and neck - A pictorial for the ENT specialist

Abstract

An increased pressure on ENT departments has evolved as head and neck pathology is showing a higher incidence and prevalence. Therefore, the ENT specialist should develop good skills in ultrasonographic examination of patients with head and neck masses. The aim of this paper is to enable the ENT specialist to identify anatomical landmarks on ultrasonographic images in order to expedite the diagnosis with a higher degree of certainty. We describe the steps for a proper ultrasound examination of the patient. We illustrate the following anatomical areas: submandibular gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, oropharinx, larynx, parotid glands, etc. Moreover we emphasize the differential diagnosis that should be taken into account when examining pathology in these regions. Ultrasonographic examination of head and neck pathology is cost efficient, non irradiating and permits fast follow up with serial examination of the lesions. Furthermore one can perform an initial TNM staging of the case prior to other expensive imaging studies such as CT and MRI. We hope to raise the awareness of fellow ENT specialists in performing ultrasonography as future developments such as elastography and CEUS will increase the specificity and sensitivity of this diagnostic method.