Computed tomography of cystic neck masses

Computed tomography (CT) of the neck has been primarily applied to the assessment of malignant disease with few reports describing its utility in benign conditions. The authors report 13 cases of cystic neck masses evaluated by CT. Pathological conditions included brachial cleft cyst, laryngocele, thyroglossal duct cyst, cavernous lymphangioma, necrotic lymphadenopathy, and asymmetric jugular veins. Computed tomography was helpful in correctly predicting the etiology by determining the exact location of these masses in relation to the normal anatomic structures in the neck.