Evaluation of imaging findings differentiating extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from squamous cell carcinoma in naso- and oropharynx.

OBJECTIVE

To reveal morphological differences between extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and squamous cell carcinoma of the naso- and oropharynx, and to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted (DW) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT imaging.

METHODS

Imaging findings, signal intensities, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were assessed.

RESULTS

Wall-thickening type, bilateral symmetry, and absence of nodal necrosis were more frequently seen with NHL. In NHL, signal intensities on DW images were higher, and ADCs was lower. No significant difference in SUVmax was found.

CONCLUSION

Only magnetic resonance imaging including DW imaging produced helpful data, eliminating the need for multimodality imaging.