Non Invasive Differentiation of Benign from  Malignant Parotid Lesions: Ultrasonography  Proves a Boon

Dr Sambhav Lodha; Dr Chhaya Bhatt; Dr Naman Mehta

Volume : II, Issue : I, January - 2013

Non Invasive Differentiation of Benign from Malignant Parotid Lesions: Ultrasonography Proves a Boon

Dr Sambhav Lodha, Dr Chhaya Bhatt, Dr Naman Mehta

Abstract :

Most parotid lesions are inflammatory in nature. Salivary neoplasms account for less than 3 % of all head and neck tumors and less than 0.1 % of all cancer deaths. A prospective study of 30 cases , comprising mainly of patients presenting with swelling in the parotid region ,where we have analyzed the ultrasonographic characteristics and have attempted to differentiate benign from malignant tumors. The commonest pathology being parotid abscess, followed by parotitis and pleomorphic adenoma. Ultrasound has been able to differentiate benign from malignant lesions with an accuracy of 100% .With ultrasound being very safe, economical and ready available modality for the diagnosis of parotid lesions.Ultrasound is better than CT or MR in differentiating benign from malignant lesions and in the assessment of vascularity with the help of doppler. Thus ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for parotid gland lesions with a high sensitivity.