[Evaluation of tumorous parotid gland diseases by sonography]

Ultrasonic evaluation was done on 62 patients with a palpable tumor in the area of the parotid gland. Morphological characteristics of the individual conditions are demonstrated. Chronic inflammations, abcesses, cysts and Warthin's tumor can be diagnosed correctly. These alterations can be distinguished from the pleomorphic adenoma. A differential diagnosis of this tumor cannot always be done, however, as it cannot be distinguished morphologically from a benign enlargement of the intraglandular lymph nodes. Malignant tumors in our patients were diagnosed correctly. Because of the small number of cases (7), however, we are not able to state whether it is possible to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors in all cases. Ultrasonic criteria of malignancy are described.