Sonography of peripheral nerve tumors of the neck.

Abstract

PNTs of the neck have features that should alert the sonographer to the correct diagnosis. Features of value in differentiating PNTs from lymph nodes include a solitary, oval, hypoechoic mass with posterior enhancement and absence of an echogenic hilum. These features should lead to a careful search for the associated nerve to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, schwannomas have a vascular pattern indicating marked hypervascularity that can be obliterated with light pressure from the probe.