Ten must know pseudolesions of the head and neck.

ABSTRACT

Patients may present in the emergency setting for a variety of head and neck complaints such as fever, trouble swallowing, or a newly palpable mass. When reviewing radiologic head and neck exams for etiology of complaints, it is important to be familiar with the multiple pseudolesions that may mimic pathology. These may be normal variant anatomy, normal anatomy located in an atypical location, as well as iatrogenic or self-introduced foreign bodies. This review article discusses ten common pseudolesions encountered in the head and neck and their typical imaging appearance so that one does not mistake them for ominous pathology, thus preventing unnecessary follow-up, biopsy, or continued concern for the patient.