Diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography in parotid space occupying lesions

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the value of high-resolution ultrasonography in the diagnosis of parotid space occupying lesions. Method:Ultrasonographic findings of 102 patients with pathologically proved parotid lesions were retrospectively analyzed. The size, margin, shape, internal echoes distribution, presence of anechoic areas, blood flow signal and accompanying signs of the lesions were observed. Result:Of 102 cases, there were 91 benign lesions, the conform rate was 83.5%; there were 11 malignant lesions, the conform rate was 72.7%. Between benign and malignant lesions, the differences of margin, shape and the detection rate of blood flow signal were statistically significant（P<0.05）. Among the benign lesions, pleomorphic adenoma and adenolymphoma were the most common. The shape, internal echoes distribution and presence of anechoic areas were significantly different between these two diseases（P<0.05）. Of other rare benign tumors, 85.7% cases could be correctly diagnosed as benign before surgery, but the correct diagnosis rate for pathological types of lesions was low. Conclusion:Parotid lesions with unique ultrasonographic characteristics which are helpful in differentiating the benign neoplasms from the malignant ones, as pleomorphic adenoma from adenolymphoma. However, it is difficult to identify the qualitative diagnosis of low-grade malignant parotid neoplasms and the pathological classification of rare parotid lesions with ultrasonography, and further biopsy or surgical resection is needed to confirm the diagnosis.