Imaging of Major Salivary Gland Lesions and Disease

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Aug;35(3):435-449. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2023.02.007. Epub 2023 Apr 7.

Abstract

Infectious and inflammatory disorders are the commonest pathologies to affect the major salivary glands however frequently overlap in clinical presentation. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, usually initially performed by CT or ultrasound. MRI, with its superior soft-tissue characterization compared with CT, provides a better evaluation of tumors and tumor-like conditions. Imaging features may suggest that a mass is more likely to be benign versus malignant, however, biopsy is often needed to establish a definitive histopathologic diagnosis. Imaging plays a key role in the staging of neoplastic disease.

Keywords: CT; MRI; Salivary gland; Salivary gland neoplasm; Sialoadenitis; Sialolithiasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Salivary Gland Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Salivary Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Salivary Glands / pathology