Multi - Detector Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Neck Masses

Lump in the neck is rather a common presenting complaint, with wide range of etiopathogenesis and prognosis, it is critical that any neck swelling be diagnosed appropriately and promptly. MDCT was adding to milestones in neck imaging. This Prospective Observational study conducted on 100 patients with neck mass referred to Radio diagnosis department at tertiary care centre. Most patients were found amongst the age group 21 - 30 years (22%). Majority of study cases were Males 58 and females were 42. The incidence of benign and malignant lesions found to be61% and 39% respectively. Most common benign and malignant lesion was found to be benign thyroid lesions 14% and laryngeal carcinoma 8% respectively. In characterization of malignant lesions, commonest finding was heterogeneous enhancement pattern 39%, while in benign lesions, most of the benign lesion showed extension to adjacent neck spaces. Most of benign lesions found in younger age group, while malignant lesions were common in older age group. The study showed sensitivity=96.66%, Specificity=80%, Positive Predictive value=97.75%, Negative Predictive value=72.72% and diagnostic accuracy=86.6%. MDCT helps in accurate detection, precise anatomical localization and characterization of neck masses. Correlation of MDCT with pathological diagnosis found to be statistically highly significant (pless than0.05).