Abstract
Our aim was to assess the specific ultrasonic characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma
and Warthin's tumor in major salivary glands.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the ultrasonographic (US) features of 19
pleomorphic adenomas in 16 patients and 29 Warthin's tumors in 20 patients. The features
included tumor size, echotexture, boundary, and shape on gray-scale US imaging and
grading and distribution of tumor vascularity on color Doppler ultrasound (CDU).
Results
All lesions were hypoechoic, and only 22.9% had a homogeneous echotexture. Most of
the tumors (87.5%) were ≥10 mm, and 93.8% were well defined. On CDU, 91.7% had intermediate
(+ and ++) grades of vascularity. Only two of 29 Warthin's tumors had the highest
grade of vascularity (+++). Predominantly central blood flow was present in 58.6%
of Warthin's tumors and 42.1% of pleomorphic adenomas. Lobulated margin (shape) was
noted in 84.2% of pleomorphic adenomas and 51.7% of Warthin's tumors (P<.05). Anechoic cystic components were present in 13 (44.8%) of 29 Warthin's tumors
and in only one pleomorphic adenoma (1/19, 5.3%) (P<.01).
Conclusion
Most pleomorphic adenomas were lobulated. Internal anechoic cystic components were
absent from pleomorphic adenomas but present in some Warthin's tumors. The grading
and distribution of blood flow signals on CDU provided only limited additional diagnostic
information for distinguishing pleomorphic adenomas from Warthin's tumors. Gray-scale
ultrasonography is a useful method for evaluating and distinguishing pleomorphic adenomas
from Warthin's tumors.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 02, 2009
Accepted:
December 16,
2008
Received in revised form:
November 6,
2008
Received:
July 29,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.
