Neck lumps: Early Detection with Dental Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

A clinical approach

Abstract

Cervical lymphadenopathy can indicate a range of diseases, including infections, inflammation, and neoplastic processes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for identifying the underlying cause and determining appropriate treatment. Diagnostic procedures include clinical examination, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, biopsy, and imaging techniques. While conventional imaging methods such as X-ray and computed tomography (CT) have proven useful, they exhibit limitations in sensitivity and specificity, especially for soft tissue structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides superior soft tissue contrast, offering additional critical information for differential diagnosis. This article presents a case study of a 29-year-old male with a cervical mass. Advanced dental MRI protocols, including DESS, SPACE-SPAIR, and SPACE-STIR sequences, have significantly enhanced the imaging capabilities of the dentomaxillofacial region, enabling the generation of high-resolution images of both hard and soft tissues. Especially, MR OPGs have demonstrated the capacity to identify early signs of potential pathology. These protocols have the potential to enhance early detection, thereby contributing to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.