Characteristic sonographic findings of XXXX in the parotid gland.

@entity1 @entity5 @entity4724
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the characteristic sonographic features of @entity4724 in the parotid gland, thus enhancing the ability to make a preoperative diagnosis of this disease process. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the sonograms of @entity4724 of the parotid gland that had been confirmed by histopathologic examination of surgically excised specimens from @entity1 treated at our institution over a 2-year period. We recorded the echogenicity, shape, margin, and internal structure of the @entity5 and categorized them into 2 groups on the basis of size (< 5 cm versus > or =5 cm in the largest diameter). RESULTS: Eighteen @entity1 (16 @entity1 and 2 @entity1 ) with a mean age of 57 years (range, 29-82 years) were included in the analysis. One @entity1 had 2 @entity5 (1 in each parotid gland); the other 17 @entity1 each had only 1 @entity5 . Our review of the sonographic findings revealed that all 19 @entity5 were hypoechoic compared with the normal parenchyma of the affected parotid glands. Most of the @entity5 were ovoid, had well-defined margins, and contained multiple irregular, small, sponge-like anechoic areas. Tumors that were 5 cm or greater in diameter had a higher proportion of cystic content than smaller lesions had and in some cases were composed almost entirely of cystic material. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that the sonographic appearance of a @entity4724 in the parotid gland is distinctive: a well-defined round or ovoid hypoechoic mass containing microcystic anechoic areas. These sonographic features constitute useful criteria in the preoperative diagnosis of @entity4724 in the parotid gland, although sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
