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Head and Neck Imaging

Adenoid

1. Lymphatic tissue located in the upper posterior aspect of the nasopharynx (nasopharyngeal tonsils). The adenoids appear during the first months after birth, are prominent during childhood, and gradually involve from puberty on. If no adenoids are seen by the age of 6 months, a problem with the immune system should be suspected. Most individuals have lost their adenoids by the age of 3040 years. Normal adenoids appear on CT and MRI as homogeneous soft tissue, located against the roof and in the lateral recesses of the nasopharynx. Radiological differentiation between normal adenoids, hyperplastic adenoids and tumour (such as lymphoma) may be difficult. Also, see adenoid.

2. Term also used for hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal tonsils resulting from chronic inflammation (Meyer's disease). This may lead to obstructive sleep apnoea or recurrent otitis media.