title: Evaluation of Parotid Lesions.
abstract: The differential diagnosis of a parotid lesion is broad, and the otolaryngologist must consider inflammatory, neoplastic, autoimmune, traumatic, infectious, or congenital causes. A comprehensive history and physical examination, in conjunction with judicious use of radiographic imaging (MRI, computed tomography, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine studies), laboratory studies, and pathologic analysis (fine-needle aspiration, core biopsy, incisional biopsy), facilitates making an accurate diagnosis. This article reviews the key history and physical elements and adjunctive diagnostic tools available for working up parotid lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Edward C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Kuan
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mallen-St Clair
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Head and Neck Cancer Program, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: MstJohn@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Maie A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: St John
mesh_terms: D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D010808:Physical Examination; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
keywords: Biopsy; Malignancy; Mass; Parotid; Radiology