Cross-sectional Imaging of Parotid Gland Nodules: A Brief Practical Guide

Clinical evaluation and ultrasound examination are the first steps in the evaluation of a patient with a swelling of the parotid region. After the detection of a nodular lesion, cytological or histological confirmation is usually performed to achieve the diagnosis, while the choice of cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) may significantly vary from one physician to another, on the basis of the degree of confidence that both radiologist and surgeon have with this kind of imaging. This work focuses on some essential "reporting points" in cross-sectional imaging evaluation of parotid nodules, chiefly helpful to the radiologist when the ultrasonography assessment is considered incomplete and requires a further evaluation.