Diagnosis Pleomorphic adenoma

pleomorphic adenoma in ultrasound

the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors utilize both tissue sampling , radiographic studies. tissue sampling procedures include fine needle aspiration (fna) , core needle biopsy (bigger needle comparing fna). both of these procedures can done in outpatient setting. diagnostic imaging techniques salivary gland tumors include ultrasound, computer tomography (ct) , magnetic resonance imaging (mri).

fine needle aspiration biopsy (fna), operated in experienced hands, can determine whether tumor malignant in nature sensitivity around 90%. fna can distinguish primary salivary tumor metastatic disease.

core needle biopsy can done in outpatient setting. more invasive more accurate compared fna diagnostic accuracy greater 97%. furthermore, core needle biopsy allows more accurate histological typing of tumor.

in terms of imaging studies, ultrasound can determine , characterize superficial parotid tumors. types of salivary gland tumors have sonographic characteristics on ultrasound. ultrasound used guide fna or core needle biopsy.

ct allows direct, bilateral visualization of salivary gland tumor , provides information overall dimension , tissue invasion. ct excellent demonstrating bony invasion. mri provides superior soft tissue delineation such perineural invasion when compared ct only.