Sonographic analysis of salivary gland masses

Background: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of salivary gland masses. Materials and methods: The sonographic margin, internal texture, shape, and the clinical record of 25 cases (22 benign and 3 malignant) of verified salivary gland masses were retrospectively reviewed. Benign lesions included pleomorphic adenoma (n = 7), Warthin's tumor (n = 6), sclerosing sialadenitis (n = 5) including one associated with sialolithiasis, lymphoid hyperplasia (n = 2), and one case each of chronic suppurative inflammation with abscess and chronic inflammation. Malignancies included one case each of adenoid cystic carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma. Results: There was a significant difference in shape between the benign and malignant lesions (p = 0.037, oval or round versus irregular). Benign neoplasms and lymphoid hyperplasia were significantly more likely to be homogeneous with a well-defined margin and round or oval shape, while malignant and inflammatory lesions tended to be heterogeneous (p = 0.002) with indistinct margins (p = 0.001) and irregular shape (p = 0.009). A solid mass with small cysts was suggestive of Warthin's tumor. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a good imaging modality to assess salivary gland masses. It may help narrow the differential diagnoses and differentiate benign from malignant lesions.