Salivary gland lipomas: ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging

To facilitate a diagnosis of a lipoma, specific imaging is needed such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two male patients exhibiting a soft tissue tumor in the salivary gland area were examined using sonography and MRI. Final diagnosis was identified by excision biopsy. Ultrasound showed a hypoechoic, feathered, mostly ovoid structure. Color Doppler sonography does not detect any signals besides in cases of angiolipoma. This is accompanied by vessels and does not show the typical feathered structure. With MRI, it is possible to confirm the diagnosis by visualization of fat-equivalent intensity values. Diagnosing soft tissue swelling in the salivary gland, clinical examination and an ultrasound or MRI scan are recommended.