Objectives This study aimed to explore ultrasonography as a single imaging modality for the initial assessment of parotid lesions compared to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed on 264 parotid gland lesions evaluated in a dedicated point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) clinic with concurrent fine needle biopsy (FNB). Two hundred and nine of these lesions also underwent CT or MRI imaging. Histopathology results, when available, were recorded and compared to imaging impressions. Results Surgeon‐performed POCUS classified parotid masses accurately when compared to final histopathology (90/96, 94%). Using predefined criteria, POCUS determined the nature of parotid lesions more definitively than the descriptive CT or MRI radiology reports ( p <.001). Sub‐analysis showed that ultrasonography was able to distinguish between benign pathologies with high degree of accuracy (Warthin tumor—82%, pleomorphic adenoma—64%). Conclusions POCUS can accurately distinguish between benign and malignant parotid lesions. POCUS may suffice as the only imaging study for benign lesions, obviating the need for additional cross‐sectional imaging. This can be combined with fine needle or core biopsy in the same visit, resulting in expedient diagnosis, low cost, and lack of radiation exposure. Level of Evidence 2b, individual cross‐sectional cohort study.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.