Ultrasonic analysis of head and neck neoplasms. Correlation with surgical findings

Ultrasonography of head and neck neoplasms is useful in the preoperative evaluation of patients. Inflammatory masses demonstrate high reflectivity in a homogeneous pattern and have diffuse borders. Similarly, lipomas show medium to high reflectivity and have a homogeneous pattern, but are well outlined. Mixed tumors of the major salivary glands have a characteristic heterogeneous pattern and are well outlined. Malignant lesions demonstrate low reflectivity in a homogeneous or heterogeneous pattern and have poorly outlined or diffuse borders. Cysts of the head and neck are well outlined and devoid of interior echoes.