BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the real value of ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in the surgical planning of neoplasias of the parotid gland. METHODS: Retrospective study of 56 patients with neoplasias of the parotid gland (43 benigns and 13 malignants) from Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology and Image Departments of Hospital Heliopolis, Hosphel, São Paulo (1991 to 1999), comparing US and TC with histological findings. RESULTS: From 45 US findings, a solid consistance was diagnosed in 33 cases (sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 50%), and a cystic consistance in four cases (sensitivity and specificity of 50%). Regarding the site, the superficial lobe was affected in 31 cases (sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 36.5%), and the deep lobe in four cases (sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 88.6%). For 15 CT procedures, the solid consistance was diagnosed in 13 cases (sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 0%), and the cystic one in none (sensitivity of 0% and specificity of 86.7%). Regarding the site, the superficial lobe, there was coincidence in one case (sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 90%), and for deep lobe in nine cases (sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 20%). CONCLUSIONS: 1. US was a better choice for solid lesions of the superficial lobe but was not effective for deep lobe. 2. CT was better for lesions of the deep lobe, but ineffective for superficial lobe cystic lesions.
Ultrasonography; Computed tomography; Patient care planning; Parotid gland; Neoplasm; Retrospective studies
