Applications of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of soft tissue swellings of the cervicofacial region

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the accuracy; sensitivity; specificity and prediction values of ultrasound as a means of diagnosis of cervico-facial soft tissue swellings. Materials and methods: We carried out ultrasonographic evaluation of 76 consecutive cases of cervico-facial soft tissue swellings that presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex; Ile-Ife; Nigeria from August 2002 to November 2003. The patients' demographics and relevant clinical information were obtained. Ultrasonographic evaluation was done using the B-mode transcutaneous ultrasonic imaging device with a transducer frequency of 5MHz. All the lesions were subjected to histopathological examination. Results: There were 43(56.6) males and 33(43.4) females whose ages ranged from 2 weeks to 70 years (mean + SD; 22 + 19.7 years). Histologically; tumours constituted the highest percentage of swellings (35.5); followed by cysts (26.3). Males were more predominant in all classes of swellings except benign tumours. The accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was 80and 100for both adenocarcinoma and hemangioma. It was also 100for majority of the cysts and HIV associated salivary gland swellings. The sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was 80and 100for adenocarcinoma; hemangioma; all the cysts and HIV associated swellings. Ultrasound was also 100specific in the diagnosis of monomorphic adenoma and hemangioma. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool for cervicofacial soft tissue swellings. The accuracy of diagnosis is enhanced by the characteristics of the probe and the experience of the sonologist