title: Mandibular pathology presenting as a parotid tumour.
abstract: Swelling in the parotid region is often the presenting sign of a tumour of salivary gland origin. However, the possibility of disease involving adjacent structures must always be considered. Three cases are presented where pathology of the mandibular ramus presented as swelling in the parotid region. A clinical diagnosis of a parotid tumour was made, parotidectomy scheduled, and in two cases carried out before the correct diagnosis was reached. Difficulties of differential diagnosis are discussed, and imaging techniques reviewed. The value of plain radiographs of the adjacent hard tissues is emphasised. Careful interpretation should be based on a sound understanding of pathology of the jaws.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barnard
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic