Imaging of Perineural Spread in Head and Neck Cancer

David Badger; Nafi Aygun

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2016.08.006

Imaging of Perineural Spread in Head and Neck Cancer

Radiol Clin North Am. 2017 Jan;55(1):139-149. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2016.08.006.

Authors

David Badger¹, Nafi Aygun²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street Phipps B100, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
² Division of Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street Phipps B100, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: naygun1@jhmi.edu.

PMID: 27890182
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2016.08.006

Abstract

Perineural spread (PNS) of tumor is a recognized pattern of metastasis occurring in the head and neck. Imaging plays a critical role in identifying PNS for adequate staging and treatment planning. Understanding the major branches and pathways of cranial nerves V and VII, key anatomic landmarks, interconnections between these nerves, and pearls and pitfalls of PNS imaging can aid in early detection, appropriate therapy, and the best possible chance for cure.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Perineural invasion; Perineural spread; Skull base imaging.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / pathology*
Diagnosis, Differential
Facial Nerve
Facial Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
Facial Nerve Diseases / pathology*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Neoplasm Invasiveness / diagnostic imaging
Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
Neuroimaging / methods
Skull Base / diagnostic imaging
Skull Base / pathology*
Trigeminal Nerve / diagnostic imaging
Trigeminal Nerve / pathology
Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / pathology*