Jose Daniel Samper Wamba MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Uxia Sobrino Castro DiplPhys, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sebastian Molnar Fuentes, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ana Maria Fernandez Martinez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

High frequency US allows a detailed study of the anatomy of the major salivary glands and their relationships. Neoplasms, sialolithiasis and inflammation are the most common pathologies of these glands. US as an initial study of the major salivary glands reduces the differential diagnosis and allows interventional techniques in a fast, cheap and without radiation process.  

In Europe and Asia ultrasound (US) is the first step in the study of pathology of the major salivary glands. It is a radiation-free method, accessible and cheap, which will allow us to narrow the differential diagnosis and sometimes even give us a definitive one. In addition we can carry out eco-guided interventional techniques. Although there are some features that can guide us to suspect if a nodule is a pleomorphic adenoma, a Warthin tumor or a malignant lesion, US is not very specific to determine benignity or malignancy. However, US will allow us to distinguish true glandular nodes or lesions in other locations, such as pilomatrixomas or epithelial cysts. Inflammatory pathology can be also studied, lithiasis and expanded salivary ducts in sialolithiasis can be distinguised. Other diseases such as Sjögren´s syndrome, cysts or lymphomatous involvement of the glands can be assessed.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14001982/14001982_hw9y.pdf

Samper Wamba, J, Sobrino Castro, U, Molnar Fuentes, S, Fernandez Martinez, A, Ultrasound of the Major Salivary Glands: Anatomy and Pathology  .  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001982.html