Imaging appearance of granulomatous lesions of head and neck.

We aim to review the imaging appearance of granulomatous lesions of the head and neck. Granulomatous lesions are seen in different regions of the head and neck and a difficult diagnostic challenge for the radiologist. Infective granulomas may be due to bacterial or fungal agents. Non-infective granulomas are Wegener's granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, chemical granuloma and reparative giant cell granuloma. Familiarity with the clinical presentation and imaging features of these lesions can suggest diagnosis in some cases. CT and MR imaging demonstrate the exact location, extension and effect on surrounding structures. A thorough knowledge of age, gender, common location, clinical features and imaging appearance of granulomatous lesions are important for diagnosis.