Imaging analysis of pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands of the palate / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the imaging features of the pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands in the palate and to improve its diagnostic validity. Methods CT and MRI manifestations of 6 patients with palatal pleomorphic adenomas confirmed pathologically were analyzed retrospectively. There were 2 males and 4 females, and their age ranged from 19 to 54 years, with the mean age of 36.3 years. Results Among 6 cases, 5 tumors located in hard palate, and 1 in soft palate. 4 lesions were round like, and 2 were lobulated. Most tumors showed soft tissue density on CT, slightly long T 1 and slightly long T 2 signal intensity on MRI. Cystic degeneration could occur in the central part in some lesions, which appeared as much lower density or obviously long T 1 and long T 2 signal intensity. On post contrast MR scans, the lesions usually showed slightly homogeneous enhancement. Conclusions Pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands were the most common benign tumors in the palate. Combined with the clinical history, typical CT and MRI appearances, a definitive diagnosis can be made.