Computed tomography in the diagnosis of buccal space masses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the CT features of buccal space masses.


METHODS
Fifty-three cases of buccal space masses were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in all except two. CT images were assessed for the number, location, internal architecture and margin of the lesions and their relation to the surrounding structures.


RESULTS
The series comprised 44 tumors (33 benign and 11 malignant) and nine non-tumorous lesions. Buccal gland tumors were all found adjacent to the outer surface of the buccinator, in contrast to epidermoid cysts and accessory parotid tumors which were completely separate from it. Hemangiomas were characterized by multiple masses or the presence of phleboliths. When ill-defined margins, violation of fascial planes and aggressive bone destruction were used as the criteria for the malignancy, only seven out of 11 malignant tumors were correctly diagnosed (sensitivity 64%).


CONCLUSIONS
CT was useful in demonstrating the presence and location of the masses in the buccal space and sometimes in the differential diagnosis. For a mass of uncertain cause in the buccal space, a buccal gland tumor is the most likely diagnosis. The value of CT in differentiating malignant from benign buccal space lesions is limited.
Kurabayashi
T
T
Department of Dental Radiology and Radiation Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Ida
M
M
Yoshino
N
N
Sasaki
T
T
Kishi
T
T
Kusama
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002610:Cheek / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed