[The value of 3D proton spin tomography reconstruction as exemplified by an extensive parotid adenoma]

In the past few years, 3 D reconstruction has been established as a new imaging method in various medical fields, such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery. In a former article, the authors introduced a new 3 D imaging method for the head and neck. The present study reports the case of a 37-year-old woman with a huge adenoma of the parotid gland. The tumor grew along the skull base, protruding onto the left tonsil. The diagnostic value of the authors' reconstruction method for lesions in the head and neck is discussed. The results indicate that this technique might be of significant clinical importance for special questions arising in the head and neck region as well as for preoperative planning in the case of certain tumors.