Imaging features of cartilaginous tumors of the head and neck

Abstract

There is a wide spectrum of head and neck cartilaginous lesions which include both neoplastic and nonneoplastic processes. Cartilaginous tumors of the head and neck are uncommon, posing a diagnostic challenge. Benign cartilaginous tumors that may occur in the head and neck include chondroma, chondroblastoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, osteochondroma, and synovial chondromatosis. Chondromesenchymal hamartoma is a rare non-neoplastic cartilaginous lesion that is included for the 1first time in the new WHO classification and radiologically can mimic a tumor. Malignant cartilaginous tumors include chondrosarcoma and chondroid variant of chordoma. Characteristic tumor locations, internal chondroid matrix calcification, and typical T2 hyperintense signal secondary to high-water content within the extracellular matrix of the hyaline cartilage are useful imaging features that narrow the differential diagnosis and help in diagnosing these diseases. This article presents a narrative review of the anatomy of the head and neck cartilaginous structures, discusses the current knowledge and imaging spectrum of benign and malignant cartilaginous tumors and tumor-like lesions of the head and neck.

Chondrosarcoma of the thyroid cartilage: surgical management of a rare case

“…One review article, discussing the imaging features of cartilaginous tumours of the head, describes the limited utility of CT, MRI and PET CT in differentiating between low-grade chondrosarcoma and chondroma, as both exhibit similar features (including calcification and low-FDG uptake). The authors mention that invasion of adjacent structures on MRI favours a malignant rather than a benign diagnosis but conclude that histopathology is always required for confirmation 4. Notably, however, low-grade chondrosarcomas are also histologically difficult to differentiate from chondromas due to their similar appearance 5.…”

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors

“…Generally, no significant mitotic activity or necrosis is expected. Radiographically, NCH demonstrates areas of matrix calcification on CT; on MRI, the mass is generally T2 hyperintense secondary to high water content within the extracellular matrix of hyaline cartilage, while areas of mineralization appear lower in signal intensity 599 …”