Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System: What Does Radiologist Want to Know?

The aim of this work was to review Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System (NI-RADS) that was designed for reporting and surveillance of head and neck cancer after therapy and their subsequent management. The categories of NI-RADS can be designated as belonging in 1 of the 4 categories: negative; low suspicion; high suspicion; and definite recurrence. Lexicon of NI-RADS-1 shows nonmass-like distortion of soft tissues, NI-RADS-2 lesions divided into mucosal (2A) versus deep (2B) abnormalities, NI-RADS-3 primary site can either be a submucosal or deep lesion, and NI-RADS-4 is a biopsy-proven residual or recurrent disease. The NI-RADS Lexicon of radiology reporting categories linked to management protocols and surveillance for these patients. Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System is to provide guidance for next-imaging decisions either a follow-up period, biopsy, or surgery.