Analysis of CT findings of submandibular gland benign and malignant lesions / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristic CT features of benign and malignant submandibular gland lesions.Methods CT scans of 75 cases of submandibular gland lesions verified pathologically after surgery were analyzed retrospectively,including 38 cases of pleomorphic adenoma,22 cases of malignant tumors,11 cases of chronic submaxillaritis,2 cases of myoepithelioma,1 case of neurilemoma and 1 case of hemangioma.Results ( 1 ) All 38 cases of submandibular gland pleomorphic adenoma only occupied a part of submandibnlar gland.Thirty five lesions were on the edge of submandibular gland.The edge of 33 lesions were smooth and the density of 30 lesions were even.Thirty three lesions were slightly or moderately enhanced and 10 lesions showed “target sign” on enhanced CT.( 2 ) There were 22 cases of submandibular gland malignant tumors.Three lesions of lymphoma located at the edge of submandibular gland with smooth edge and even density,and showed mild to moderate enhancement.The remaining 19 lesions showed rough edge and uneven density.Eighteen of the 19 lesions showed ill-defined boundary,2 of the 18 lesions invaded most of submandibular gland and 16 of the 18 lesions invaded the whole submandibular gland.Seventeen lesions were unevenly enhanced,thickened,cirvilinear vessels were seen in 12 of the 17 lesions.Nine cases were accompanied with swollen lymph nodes ( minor diameter greater than 1.0 cm) in neck.(3)There were 11 cases of chronic submaxillaritis,which showed enlargement of the whole submandibular gland with relative smooth edge and relative clear boundary.Most of lesions were moderately and evenly enhanced.Six cases were companied with submandibular duct lithiasis and dilatation.All of 11 cases were accompanied with lymph node enlargement in neck.(4) Two cases of myoepithelioma demonstrated irregular ring enhancement on CT;one case of neurilemoma showed obvious cystic changes and slight enhancement on the edge;1 case of hemangioma showed multiple phleboliths and prolonged contrast enhancement.ConclusionsMost of submandibular gland benign and malignant lesions show some degree of characteristic CT findings.It is relatively difficult to discriminate between lymphoma and submandibular gland pleomorphic adenoma.