Dentomaxillofacial Radiology · 2002 · 14 citations · 0 references
MedicineOncologyRadiologyDiagnostic ImagingDiagnostic RadiologyNeuroradiologyNasopharyngeal CancerNeck ImagingRadiation TherapyRadiologic AnatomyDenervation-induced AtrophyIrradiation EffectsMagnetic Resonance Imaging Muscle AssessmentMasticatory Muscle DisordersMuscle AtrophyPerineural Invasion AssessmentTumor Depth Of InvasionTumor Invasion Assessment
We report on a patient with denervation atrophy of the masticatory muscles due to nasopharyngeal cancer who received therapeutic irradiation. Magnetic resonance imaging has significantly contributed to aid diagnosis of this pathology. Masticatory muscle atrophy should be a definitive finding of perineural invasion caused by head and neck tumors. Radiologists should be familiar with this appearance to avoid confusion with tumor invasion of the muscle.