[Value of ultrasound in preoperative exploration of parotid tumors]

Ultrasound image were compared with operative findings and gross pathology and histology appearances in 28 patients with parotid gland tumors (24 benign and 4 malignant). Ultrasound exploration provides precise data on localization, shape, size, outline, homogenicity of tumor contents and position of lesion in relation to pharyngeal wall. Clearly defined ultrasound images were detected in all benign but few malignant tumors, which presented mainly diffuse images. Non-homogeneous density of images, showing presence of intratumoral necrotic zones, was identified in all cases of malignant tumors but very few cases of benign lesions. Ultrasound imaging defines probable nature of a parotid tumor, probability enhanced by combining other exploratory investigations, but provides precise data on physical nature of tumor, of value during surgery.