Basal cell adenoma versus pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: CT findings

Basal cell adenoma is a rare benign epithelial tumor of the salivary gland. The objective of this study is to present the CT findings of parotid basal cell adenoma. We also compare CT findings of basal cell adenoma with those of pleomorphic adenoma, the most common parotid tumor, to determine whether any features on CT can help differentiate these two entities.

Basal cell adenomas of the parotid gland are located chiefly in the superficial lobe. They are generally round, well-circumscribed tumors that show heterogeneous enhancement on CT. The age of the patient and the attenuation on unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT may help in differentiating basal cell adenoma from pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.