Role Of Computed Tomography In Diagnosis Parotid Masses:

Mohsen Kamel Gomha Aried

CT is the method of choice for radiolgic examination of masses in or about the salivary glands as well as for the study of diffuse non-inflammatory enlargement of a salivary gland or glands. It is capable of producing clinically useful information that can be used directly to determine ppropriate theraphy. CT is less invasive than conventional sialography because it can usually performed without contrast material, and it is more senitive in determining the presence or absence of a mass as well as its exent and whether it has arisen from within or outside of a salivary gland. Sialography is cost effective in the evaluation of lymphoepithelial lesions. Conventional sialography may be an important compement to CT sialo-graphy in the evauation of parotid neoplasma or masses because of its ability to illustrate the morphology of the finest ducts. CT sialography is accurate in the tumor to surrounding structures, above all to the parapharyngeal space. The radiographic differentiation between between bengn and malignant parotid tumors can not be based entirely either on CT sialography offers no advantages over CT with intravenous contrast. High resoulation CT with intravenous contrast is highly sensitive for tumor diction.