Computed tomography of the major salivary glands

Forty-eight patients with proven disease of the salivary glands were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Twenty-seven patients had salivary gland neoplasm and all were identified by CT. Fifteen benign tumors appeared as discrete, sharply marginated, high-density masses embedded in an otherwise normal gland. All 15 were correctly identified as benign by CT. There were 12 malignant tumors; 10 were invasive and presented as poorly defined, relatively dense lesions which obliterated and/or transgressed adjacent fat and fascial planes. Two malignant tumors presented as discrete masses and were incorrectly considered to be benign by CT. Twenty-one patients with inflammatory disease of the salivary glands were studied. A variety of patterns were noted, the most common a relatively diffuse, irregular area of increased density in an enlarged gland. Salivary duct calculi, diffuse sialectasis, and enlarged lymph nodes were well demonstrated. Differentiation between focal and inflammatory disease and malignant neoplasm was difficult. Computed tomography may be augmented by coincident sialography, although it is seldom necessary.