CT diagnosis of the salivary gland tumors

Objective: To study CT findings of salivary gland tumors. Methods: CT findings of 16 cases with salivary gland tumors were analyzed, and lesions were surgically and pathologically proved. The lesions included 6 benign salivary gland tumors, and 5 malignant salivary gland tumors. In addition 4 extra-gland tumor including 2 Schwannoma and 2 metastatic lymphadenopathy were investigated (n=1). Results: In 6 benign salivary gland tumors, 5 were round or elliptic in shape, the other 1 were multi-nodular and lobulated. Well demarcated margin was revealed in 6 lesions. The 5 malignant salivary gland tumors had irregular shape, poorly-defined border, in-homogenous parenchyma and involved adjacent structures. The malignancy was highly enhanced after the contrast media was administrated. Conclusion: The location, margin, envelope and density of the tumor and the displacement of the styloid process were major factors for differentiating diagnosis. CT plays an important role in identifying the neoplasms as well as confirming the location (intra-gland or extra-gland)