Metastatic lymphadenopathy from ENT carcinoma: role of diagnostic imaging.

Problems concerning the use of different imaging modalities in N staging of the neck are dealt with. The peculiar features, findings, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of each modality in the diagnosis of nature of cervical lymphadenopathy are described, as reported in most recent reports of literature, and according to the personal experience. CT/MRI criteria commonly used to establish whether a lymph node is metastatic or benign/reactive are related to the size, morphology, density (CT), signal intensity (MRI), evidence of central necrosis and extracapsular spread.