[Computed tomography of the soft tissue of the neck. Lymph node metastases and their differential diagnosis]

Computed tomography is considered as the method of choice concerning N-staging in patients with known malignant tumours of the head and neck region. The application of an intravenous contrast medium (50 ml as a bolus, 100 ml as a fast infusion) is obligatory. In lesions of the neck with unknown histology the plain CT scan is important followed by the application of contrast medium, optional in form of a dynamic sequential CT. Calcifications, the densities pre and post contrast medium application, the curve of enhancement and the structure of the lesion are the important criteria of differential diagnosis.