Perineural tumor spread refers to the migration of tumor cells along nerve
tissues. It worsens the prognosis, increases the recurrence rate, and diminishes
5-year survival by up to 30%. It is an important finding on imaging tests
employed in the staging of patients with head and neck cancers, because it
cannot be assessed by the surgeon alone. Nevertheless, it is frequently
overlooked. In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding the imaging and
pathophysiological aspects of this type of dissemination. We also analyzed ten
imaging tests, obtained from a teaching hospital in Brazil, in which there were
radiological signs of perineural tumor spread.
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