Neuroendocrine tumours of the head and neck: anatomical, functional and molecular imaging and contemporary management

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the head and neck are rare neoplasms and can be of epithelial or non-epithelial differentiation. Although the natural history of NETs is variable, it is crucial to establish an early diagnosis of these tumours as they can be potentially curable. Conventional anatomical imaging and functional imaging using radionuclide scintigraphy and positron emission tomography/computed tomography can be complementary for the diagnosis, staging and monitoring of treatment response. This article describes and illustrates the imaging features of head and neck NETs, discusses the potential future role of novel positron-emitting tracers that are emerging into clinical practice and reviews contemporary management of these tumours. Familiarity with the choice of imaging techniques and the variety of imaging patterns and treatment options should help guide radiologists in the management of this rare but important subgroup of head and neck neoplasms.

Granular cell tumor of the stellate ganglion presenting with Horner’s syndrome

“…Paragangliomas are largely parasympathetic tumors that can be found throughout the body (they are also known as glomus tumors, glomangioma, or chemodectoma) [61][62][63]. These tumors are very rare but when they do occur they are most often found in the head and neck [64][65][66].…”

Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: Epidemiology, Radiologic Diagnosis, Treatment

“…Разрушение цепи слуховых косточек также является характерным симптомом (рис. 9) [50]. При МРТ опухоли размерами более 2 см дают симптом "соли и перца".…”

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx with metastasis to the eyelid

“…Hussein A Assi, MD, 1 Raina Patel, MD, 2 and Syed Mehdi, MD 3 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York; and 2 Department of Pathology and 3 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, New York N euroendocrine tumors are a rare type of neoplasms that comprise only 0.5% of all malignancies. 1 Tey usually arise from the gastrointestinal tract and the lung.…”