Ultrasonographic Features of the Parotid Gland Neoplasms / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography represents the initial imaging modality of choice for the assessment of the parotid gland tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of the parotid gland tumors. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ultrasonography of the 49 patients with parotid gland tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Histology of all cases was confirmed after parotidectomy. The ultrasonographic features of the most common two histologies, namely, pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor, were compared. RESULTS: Pleomorphic adenomas were usually solid and they showed lobulation and an exophytic growth. Warthin's tumors usually contained a cystic component, and were usually oval without lobulation and confined to the parenchyma. One of two malignancies showed well-defined margins and five benign tumors showed ill-defined margins. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonographic features should be cautiously used to discriminate among the various histologies of parotid gland tumors.