ABSTRACT
Objective. To review the clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics of all parotid lymphomas diagnosed at the study institution over a 7-year period. Design. Retrospective chart review of parotid lymphomas diagnosed between 1997 and 2004. Subjects. A total of 121 patients with parotid lesions were identified. After retrospective chart review; a total of 10 patients with histologically proven parotid lymphoma were included in the study; 8 of whom had CT scans available for assessment. Results. Ten patients with histologically proven lymphoma of the parotid gland were identified from among 121 patients with parotid neoplasms; an incidence in this series of 8.3. All lymphomas were of nonhodgkin's type. All patients presented with a painless unilateral parotid swelling. Most patients had a short history of less than 4 months' duration; of whom 3 presented with a rapidly evolving swelling of less then 1 month's duration. No patient had a background of SjA gren's disease or any other autoimmune disorders. The commonest finding noted on CT was of a unilateral; single mass of relative soft-tissue homogeneity with poorly defined; indistinct tumour margins. Associated loco-regional lymphadenopathy was identified in 2 cases; 1 clinically and another radiologically; multiple ipsilateral lesions were noted in 2 cases. No cases of contralateral disease were observed. Conclusion. Lymphoma has a clinical presentation similar to other neoplasms arising within the parotid gland. A unilateral; non-tender swelling was a universal finding. A history of less than 4 months may suggest the possibility of lymphoma. CT scanning is a useful adjunctive investigation to determine the site and extent of the disease; loco-regional nodal status and contralateral gland and neck status. Multifocality and associated adenopathy are associated with; but not exclusive to; parotid lymphoma. Although poor tumour boundary definition on CT imaging is a strong predictor of malignancy; no pathognomonic finding specific for lymphoma has been identified. The potential diagnosis of parotid lymphoma should be considered in all patients who present with a parotid mass