Modalities

The facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the head and neck area have a varied and complex anatomy. Imaging of this area therefore has to be tailored with regards to the organ to be examined and the individual clinical setting. Conventional plain radiographs are today used mainly to assess the facial skeleton and the paranasal sinuses. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging both lend themselves to cross-sectional imaging of the head and neck area and both have proven to be useful adjuncts for the evaluation of tumors and infections in this area.

Because of the complex anatomy and the varied pathology each anatomical region will be considered separately with regards to examination technique, anatomy and pathology.

Sven G. Larsson and Anthony A. Mancuso