State-of-the-Art Imaging of Salivary Gland Tumors

Abstract

MR imaging is the modality of choice in evaluation of salivary gland tumors. Postcontrast MR imaging is adequate for exact localization and extension of salivary gland tumors and multiparametric of diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging helps in characterization of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Imaging is important for preoperative localization, characterization of salivary gland tumors and locoregional extension, perineural spread, and nodal and distant staging of malignant salivary gland tumors. Imaging has a role in detection of tumor recurrence, monitoring patients after therapy, prediction of malignant transformation of benign tumors, and differentiation of salivary gland tumors from simulating inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Keywords: Benign; Malignant; Parotid; Salivary; Spread; Staging.