CT diagnosis of parotid tumors

Objective:To analyze CT characteristics of benign and malignant parotid tumors.Methods:CT features of 20 patients with parotid tumors proved pathologically and clinically were reviewed.There were 12 benign tumors and 8 malignant tumors.Results:Of 12 benign tumors,11 were regular and well-defined,1 had indistinct margin.Enhanced CT scanning was performed in 8 cases,and all lesions showed slightly and middle enhancement.Homogeneous density was found in 5 and heterogeneous density in 3 cases.Of 8 malignant tumors,7 were irregular with indistinct margin and infiltrated into the adjacent structures,1 lesion showed clear margin and regular in shape.Enhanced CT scanning was performed in 6 cases and all lesions showed enhanced.There were homogeneous density in 1 and heterogeneous density in 5 cases,of which large central necrosis was seen in 2.Of the 8 malignant tumors,enlarged cervical lymph nodes were found in 4 cases and the facial nerve was involved in 3 cases.Conclusion:CT plays an important role in detecting and distinguishing benign and malignant parotid tumors.