The value of sialography in the diagnosis of parotid tumors

Sialographic manifestations of 442 patients with primary parotid tumors, 336 benign and 106 malignant, were studied. The sialographic appearance were divided into five types: benign, aggressive benign, low-grade malignant, malignant, and adenolymphoma. The overall corresponding rate between roentgenographic and histologic diagnosis was 81.9%, benign tumors was 89.3, malignant tumors 58.5%, and adenolymphoma 88.9%. Irregular-arrangement, dilation and narrow of branch ducts were the characteristics of adenolymphoma. Extension of main duct, smooth defect of posterior border of mandibular ramus, posterior displace of styloid process, and filling defect of branch ducts and acini in the pterygomandibular space were seen in deep lobe parotid tumors. The causes of mistaken, and the value of sialography were discussed.