Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiparametric Ultrasound Versus Cross-Sectional Imaging for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Histopathology-Referenced Retrospective Study

Background/Objectives: Accurate differentiation between benign and malignant cervical lymphadenopathy is a central task in head and neck imaging. This distinction is relevant in oncologic follow-up and in the general evaluation of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (CLNs), as nodal status influences prognosis, further diagnostic work-up, and treatment planning, including invasive diagnostic procedures or surgery. Current cross-sectional imaging approaches show variable diagnostic performance. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) and cross-sectional imaging for the differentiation of benign and malignant CLNs.