MR imaging of salivary glands.
In conclusion, if a parotid gland mass is bilateral, it is more likely to be Warthin's tumor, especially if it does not enhance. Less likely, it could be lymphoepithelial cyst or necrotic lymph node. A unilateral, non-enhancing mass with a high T2 signal is more likely to be a Warthin's tumor and less likely a necrotic lymph node or first branchial cleft cyst. If the mass is unilateral, shows postcontrast enhancement, has a high T2 signal, and does not invade surrounding tissue planes, it is more likely to be a pleomorphic adenoma. An intermediate to low T2 signal mass-with or without invasion of surrounding tissue planes--is more likely to be a malignant mass such as adenocystic or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Biopsy is superior and the gold standard for diagnosis and cannot be replaced by MR imaging, however.
Shah
Gaurang V
GV
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Room B1G308, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed