Assessment of lesions arising or extending in the submental region with magnetic resonance imaging

Objectives. Various types of lesion have been reported in the submental region, but submental masses can be difficult to diagnose. Our objective was to attempt to diagnose submental masses by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with clinical data. Methods. We attempted to diagnose seven cases in which the chief complaint was submental swelling; diagnosis was carried out on the basis of features visualized by MRI. Results. Seven types of lesions were observed: phlegmone and abscess caused by osteomyelitis; epidermoid cyst; thyroglossal duct cyst; abscess-forming granulomatous lymphadenitis; T-cell lymphoma (suspected Hodgkin's disease); non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma; and lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma in the tongue. Conclusions. The magnetic resonance images of each lesion revealed characteristic features. Thus, MRI may be useful for the differential diagnosis of submental swelling before the initiation of treatment.