Are Conventional MRI Findings Adequate for Differentiating Head and Neck Masses as Malignant or Benign?

Abstract

Abstract Background In this study, we evaluate that a distinction can be made in terms of whether the masses are benign or malignant that considering certain characteristics with the images obtained in conventional MRI scans for head and neck masses in line with the findings have obtained. Purpose This work aims to determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the masses seen in the head and neck region and effectiveness of the MRI in separation of malignant from benign head and neck masses through with histopathological datas. Material and Methods This retrospective study was conducted on 86 patients who were referred with pre-diagnosed as mass in oral and neck region. MRI images were analyzed according to homogeneity and signal intensity in T1 and T2 weighted images, contrast enhancement pattern, peripheral edge characteristic of the lesion, invasion condition, presence of cystic / necrotic content and presence of bone involvement of head and neck masses. Results The MRI features of benign and malignant head and neck masses in which signal intensity in T1-weighted images, signal homogeneity in T2-weighted images, contrast enhancement pattern, edge feature and presence of invasion showed statistically significant difference to determine of benignity and malignancy. But the signal homogeneity in T1-weighted images, signal intensity in T2-weighted images, presence of cystic/necrotic content and bone involvement did not reveal a statistically significant difference. Conclusions Overall, our findings were consistent with the literature data. As a result of our study, we recommend that certain MRI features of head and neck masses (signal intensity in T1-weighted images, signal homogeneity in T2-weighted images, contrast enhancement pattern, edge feature and presence of invasion) can be used to differentiate between benign and malignant masses.