Imaging of the extracranial vascular lesions of the head and neck.

Abstract

Vascular lesions of the head and neck are uncommon lesions but can cause significant morbidity in children and adults. The updated classification system described by the International Society for the Study of Vascular anomalies (ISSVA) categorizes these lesions as tumors and vascular malformations, with the vascular malformations further classified according to their flow characteristics. Imaging, along with a thorough clinical evaluation, plays a critical role in characterization of these lesions which is essential for appropriate treatment selection. We review the key imaging findings in the extracranial head and neck vascular lesions and the role of imaging in guiding management.