[B-mode sonography in the diagnosis of unclear soft tissue masses of the face and neck].

By definition, ultrasonography images the gross morphology of normal organs and of abnormal connective tissue structures. The site and demarcation of lesions, their topographical relations to other structures and the internal echo patterns are illustrated on the basis of seven clinical cases. The role of sonography in the diagnostic work-up is defined. The choice of treatment is determined by the early detection of a mass and its further appearance in terms of size and echogenicity. Sonography cannot replace histology. This is why so-called "typical" echo patterns may be misinterpreted. For follow-up studies sonography needs to be done in carefully defined planes. For ultrasonography to be helpful in the diagnosis, a full understanding of the patient's history and clinical signs and symptoms in the head and neck region is critical. Prior to sonography these data should, therefore, be elicited by the examiner himself.