Perineural spread (PNS) represents the tumor's ability to disseminate along nerves. The aim of this article is to review the relevant literature about the PNS in head and neck tumors (HN). The important information for imaging analysis is summarized in a diagnostic flow-chart. The pathogenesis, clinical signs, prognostic importance, and technical considerations for computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are briefly discussed. The anatomical pathways of the cranial nerves (CNs) and the main check-points are synthesized. Most commonly affected nerves are the trigeminal and facial, although any of the CNs may be involved. The described imaging features represent important clues for an optimal differential diagnosis. PNS worsens the prognosis and significantly changes the treatment, thus radiologists should be aware of this entity and be able to find it on imaging in the appropriate clinical context.

中文翻译：

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头颈部恶性肿瘤的神经周围扩散：影像学发现 - 更新的文献综述。

神经周围扩散 (PNS) 代表肿瘤沿神经扩散的能力。本文旨在回顾有关头颈部肿瘤 (HN) 中 PNS 的相关文献。用于成像分析的重要信息总结在诊断流程图中。简要讨论了计算机断层扫描和磁共振成像的发病机制、临床症状、预后重要性和技术考虑。综合了颅神经 (CN) 的解剖通路和主要检查点。最常受影响的神经是三叉神经和面部，尽管可能涉及任何 CN。所描述的成像特征代表了最佳鉴别诊断的重要线索。PNS使预后恶化并显着改变治疗，