Imaging of the salivary glands

Abstract

This chapter discusses the various imaging modalities emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of each. For tumor evaluation, predicting the precise diagnosis is less important than defining the anatomy of the tumor. Particular emphasis is placed on characterization of the margin and evaluation of possible perineural spread. Various fat pads close to the skull base serve as markers for detection or exclusion of perineural spread. These include the fat in the stylomastoid foramen, the fat just below foramen ovale, and the fat in the pterygopalatine fossa. Several imaging approaches to inflammation can be effective but only if the strengths and limitations of each are considered. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.