Sonographic Analysis of Salivary Gland Masses

Abstract

To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of salivary gland masses. The sonographic margin, internal texture, shape, and the clinical record of 25 cases (22 benign and 3 malignant) of verified salivary gland masses were retrospectively reviewed. Benign lesions included pleomorphic adenoma ( n = 7), Warthin's tumor ( n = 6), sclerosing sialadenitis ( n = 5) including one associated with sialolithiasis, lymphoid hyperplasia ( n = 2), and one case each of chronic suppurative inflammation with abscess and chronic inflammation. Malignancies included one case each of adenoid cystic carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma. There was a significant difference in shape between the benign and malignant lesions (p = 0.037, oval or round versus irregular). Benign neoplasms and lymphoid hyperplasia were significantly more likely to be homogeneous with a well-defined margin and round or oval shape, while malignant and inflammatory lesions tended to be heterogeneous (p = 0.002) with indistinct margins (p = 0.001) and irregular shape (p = 0.009). A solid mass with small cysts was suggestive of Warthin's tumor. Ultrasonography is a good imaging modality to assess salivary gland masses. It may help narrow the differential diagnoses and differentiate benign from malignant lesions.