CT of the oropharynx, tongue base, and floor of the mouth: normal anatomy and range of variation, and applications in staging carcinoma

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Radiology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.148.3.6878693· OSTI ID:6603242

Muraki, A S; Mancuso, A A; Harnsberger, H R; Johnson, L P; Meads, G B

CT scans of 35 patients were obtained during rapid drip infusion of contrast material to determine the range of normal variation in the structures of the oropharynx and the floor of the mouth. Superficial structures such as the tonsillar pillars and lingual and faucial tonsils vary so much in appearance that they are not useful indicators in the detection of subtle lesions; in fact, they are potential sources of ''pseudomasses.'' Asymmetric obliteration of the parapharyngeal space is useful for the detection of subtle lesions of the upper tonsillar fossae; however, confident diagnosis in regard to the lower oropharynx depends on visualization of a mass lesion or loss of the more constant planes in the floor of the mouth and the tongue base. CT findings added unique and valuable information in eight of 12 cases of carcinoma, confirmed the clinical impression of the extent of the lesion in four cases, and were potentially misleading in one case. CT is a valuable adjunct to the detection and staging of an oropharyngeal malignancy.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City
• OSTI ID: 6603242
• Journal Information: Radiology; (United States), Journal Name: Radiology; (United States) Vol. 148:3; ISSN RADLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ANATOMY
BODY
CARCINOMAS
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
CONTRAST MEDIA
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
NEOPLASMS
ORAL CAVITY
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATIENTS
PHARYNX
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
TOMOGRAPHY
TONGUE