Abstract
Ultrasound proved to be highly effective for detection, localization, and characterisation of enlarged lymph nodes of the neck. Sonographic features that help with distinguishing between the malignant and benign causes lymphadenopathy, including grey scale and Doppler signs, are discussed.
Due to their superficial position, the parotid, the submandibular, and the sublingual glands can be also imaged with ultrasound. In acute inflammatory diseases, sonogra-phy can differentiate between obstructive or non-obstructive etiology.
Tumours of salivary glands can be visualized with high sensitivity. Like in other imaging methods, the specificity in assessment of the histology of a tumor is low.
Ultrasound features of other neck masses as thyroglossal duct cysts, branchial cleft cysts, cystic hygroma and other lesions are discussed. Ultrasonography can be used as a simple and effective tool for guidance of percutaneous punctures of lesions.