CT may prove to be especially useful in the setting of suspected bone involvement because of its improved detection of cortical erosion [112]. Furthermore, CT is superior to MRI in the detection of calculus disease resulting in sialadenitis, which may behave as a tumor mimic [112]. Both CT and MRI are capable of assessing internal tumor features, extraglandular extension, enhancement, and in detecting regional adenopathy [112]. Conflicting results have been published regarding the ability of imaging to distinguish benign from malignant salivary gland tumors. Some studies suggest no statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between US, CT, MRI, and PET/CT [106,113], whereas others have reported that CT is less accurate than MRI in the prediction of malignancy [107]. The use of IV contrast is recommended to better outline the extent of the primary site. CT Neck Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of CT neck without and with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CT Neck Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of CT neck without IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CT neck without IV contrast would not provide sufficient evaluation of the soft tissue extent of disease but may be complementary in the anatomic evaluation of the primary site in particular for the evaluation of osseous erosion. CTA Neck With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of CTA neck with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CTA of the neck can be used to identify patients at high risk of bleeding in the instance of locally advanced disease encroaching on the carotid arteries [41].
Staging and Post Therapy Assessment of Head and Neck Cancer. CT may prove to be especially useful in the setting of suspected bone involvement because of its improved detection of cortical erosion [112]. Furthermore, CT is superior to MRI in the detection of calculus disease resulting in sialadenitis, which may behave as a tumor mimic [112]. Both CT and MRI are capable of assessing internal tumor features, extraglandular extension, enhancement, and in detecting regional adenopathy [112]. Conflicting results have been published regarding the ability of imaging to distinguish benign from malignant salivary gland tumors. Some studies suggest no statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between US, CT, MRI, and PET/CT [106,113], whereas others have reported that CT is less accurate than MRI in the prediction of malignancy [107]. The use of IV contrast is recommended to better outline the extent of the primary site. CT Neck Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of CT neck without and with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CT Neck Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of CT neck without IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CT neck without IV contrast would not provide sufficient evaluation of the soft tissue extent of disease but may be complementary in the anatomic evaluation of the primary site in particular for the evaluation of osseous erosion. CTA Neck With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of CTA neck with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. CTA of the neck can be used to identify patients at high risk of bleeding in the instance of locally advanced disease encroaching on the carotid arteries [41].