Evaluation of salivary gland tumors by ultrasonography and CT-scan

Introduction: Salivary gland tumor is a tumor that forms in tissues of a salivary gland. Salivary gland cancer is rare, with 2% of head and neck tumors forming in the salivary glands, the majority in the parotid. Ulttrasonography plays a very significant role in the diagnosis and management of salivary gland lesions. CT scan is useful for evaluating intra glandular component of mass. Aim and objectives: To study the appearances of salivary gland tumors including major and minor salivary glands using radiological modalities like: Ultra-sonography, CT-SCAN, MRI to diagnosis and evaluate salivary gland tumors in order to do early management of the condition. Materials and methods: 30 cases of either strong suspicion or symptoms related to salivary glands were evaluated who came to Dhiraj Hospital with different radiological modalities like Ultrasonography, CT-SCAN. Results: Out of total number of 30 patients who were diagnosed and evaluated for salivary gland tumor on Ultrasonography , CT SCAN are conditions like: Warthin's Tumor, Pleomorphic adenoma, Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma, Lipoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Sialolithiasis in Submandibular gland, Lymphoma parotid and some other conditions related to major and minor saliary glands tumors. Conclusion: Ultrasound and CT scan are both comparable in their ability to diagnose Salivary gland tumors. Although Ultrasound has a slightly inferior specificity rate as compared to CT scan, but it is still a very compelling option for the initial imaging of the Salivary gland tumors. CT scan is useful for evaluating intra glandular component of mass especially in deep lobe of parotid, mass extending to para-pharyngeal space that is inaccessible to ultrasound.