Physiologic and pathologic calcifications and ossifications in the face and neck.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pathology

Background:

• Physiologic and pathologic calcifications and ossifications in the head and neck are common.
• Understanding their clinical significance is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically present head and neck calcifications and ossifications.
• To emphasize their clinical relevance in diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of imaging findings.
• Emphasis on computed tomography (CT) for visualization.

Main Results:

• Specific calcifications can indicate fungal sinusitis or sclerosing labyrinthitis.
• Intraocular calcifications in children suggest retinoblastoma.
• Juxtatumoral sclerosis in laryngeal cartilage impacts laryngopharyngeal carcinoma staging and treatment.
• Calcified lymph nodes may indicate tuberculosis or thyroid cancer metastases.

Conclusions:

• Cross-sectional imaging, particularly CT, is vital for identifying clinically relevant head and neck calcifications and ossifications.
• Accurate interpretation aids in timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic strategies.