Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Including Diffusion- Weighted MRI Imaging in Characterization of Parotid Gland Tumors

Abstract

Introduction: The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and parotid cancer accounts for 5% of the incidence rate of all head and neck tumors and 80% the salivary gland tumors. Benign tumors account for 80–85% and malignant tumors account for 15–20%. About 25% of untreated parotid pleomorphic adenoma shows malignant degeneration after a long history of disease, especially in multiple pleomorphic adenoma, but Warthin’s tumors are rarely malignant, with a rate of less than 1%. Objectives: This review aim to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted MR Imaging in diagnosis and characterization of parotid gland tumors. Data Sources: Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, Science Direct. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the