English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Salivary gland swelling presents with a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Predicting the nature of a swelling on clinical grounds alone is rarely possible hence, further assessment with accurate imaging is a necessity. Ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool that is widely available, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and easily reproducible. This study was undertaken to assess the role of ultrasonography as a diagnostic aid in various salivary gland swellings. METHODS Cross sectional study was conducted for consecutive patients who came to the Radiology Department, Govt. Medical College, Thrissur, from January 2014 to January 2015. Ultrasound for clinically suspected salivary gland lesions was done. USG scanning was done by Mindray DC – 08 high resolution real time multiplanar diagnostic Ultrasound System with linear array high frequency 6 to 10 MHZ transducer having scan head of 60mm. RESULTS Out of the 67 patients who were included in the study, 34 cases were identified correctly by ultrasound examination and confirmed by clinical follow up or by histopathology. Fifteen cases were A/C sialadenitis which were confirmed clinically, 11 cases were salivary gland abscess which were confirmed clinicopathologically. Eight cases were sialolithiasis which were confirmed by histopathology. Thirtythree cases were neoplastic of which 6 were malignant and 27 were benign which were confirmed by histopathology. Of the 6 malignant lesions which were confirmed by histopathology, ultrasonography correctly identified 5 cases. All these 27 benign cases were diagnosed as benign through sonography also. However out of the 18 pleomorphic adenoma cases, 15 were correctly diagnosed by USG. Out of the 9 cases of Warthin’s tumour confirmed by histopathology, USG correctly identified 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasonography is a valuable supplement in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions and to distinguish neoplastic/ non-neoplastic lesion so that further management can be decided accordingly. KEY WORDS Pathology, Salivary Gland Neoplasm, Ultrasonography