Evaluation of imaging findings differentiating extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from squamous cell carcinoma in naso- and oropharynx

Clin Imaging. 2013 Jul-Aug;37(4):657-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.11.007. Epub 2013 Jan 14.

Abstract

Objective: To reveal morphological differences between extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and squamous cell carcinoma of the naso- and oropharynx, and to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted (DW) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT imaging.

Methods: Imaging findings, signal intensities, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were assessed.

Results: Wall-thickening type, bilateral symmetry, and absence of nodal necrosis were more frequently seen with NHL. In NHL, signal intensities on DW images were higher, and ADCs was lower. No significant difference in SUVmax was found.

Conclusion: Only magnetic resonance imaging including DW imaging produced helpful data, eliminating the need for multimodality imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18