Imaging of salivary gland tumours

Cancer Imaging. 2007 Apr 30;7(1):52-62. doi: 10.1102/1470-7330.2007.0008.

Abstract

Imaging of salivary gland tumours is a major challenge for radiologists due to the great variety of differential diagnoses. This article gives a short overview on the anatomy of the salivary glands, the epidemiology of salivary gland tumours as well as the clinical presentation and the different imaging modalities including new magnetic resonance techniques such as diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy applied in the work-up of salivary gland masses. The imaging features of different tumour types and their differential diagnoses are also discussed. Finally, staging classification and treatment options are presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Salivary Gland Diseases / diagnosis
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Salivary Glands / anatomy & histology
  • Salivary Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Sialography / methods
  • Ultrasonography