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Diagnostic imaging of parotid gland oncocytoma: a pictorial review with emphasis on ultrasound assessment

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Abstract

Parotid gland oncocytoma (PGO) is a rare benign epithelial tumor that usually occurs in the elderly population. The most common clinical presentation is a painless, slow-growing, non-tender, lobulated, and mobile mass. Histologically, it is composed of monotonous sheets of epithelial cells (oncocytes) with a central scar. The cross-sectional appearance is not specific, and it overlaps with other parotid lesions. On ultrasound (US), oncocytoma appears as an ovoid, well-defined, homogeneous, and hypoechoic lesion. Cystic and hemorrhagic areas as well as intralesional fat may be observed. Doppler analysis shows intratumoral vessels, sometimes with a spoke-wheel pattern. The peak systolic flow is high (up to 100 cm/sec). Furthermore, oncocytoma is avid of FDG on a PET scan, as well as a malignant tumor. Thus, a combined clinical, imaging, and pathologic assessment is essential to establish the most accurate diagnosis and plan the best treatment. US, combined with Doppler techniques, can play an important role in suggesting the diagnosis and confirming it through percutaneous sampling. The purpose of this review is to show the imaging findings in PGO, with special emphasis on the US appearance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Motor Science and Wellness Department, University of Naples “Parthenope”, via F. Acton 38, I-80133, Naples, Italy

    Antonio Corvino

  2. Advanced Biomedical Sciences Department, University Federico II of Naples (UNINA), via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Martina Caruso & Gianfranco Vallone

  3. Radiology Unit, Varelli Institute, via Cornelia dei Gracchi 65, 80126, Naples, Italy

    Carlo Varelli & Orlando Catalano

  4. Nuclear Medicine Division, Radiology and Radiotherapy Department, National Cancer Institute Pascale Foundation, via M. Semmola 53, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Francesca Di Gennaro

  5. Ultrasound Unit, Ninetta Rosano Institute, via Capo Tirone 14, 87021, Belvedere Marittimo (CS), Italy

    Saverio Pignata

  6. Vascular and Interventional Radiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, via A. Cardarelli 9, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Fabio Corvino

  7. Casal di Principe, Italy

    Antonio Corvino

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  1. Antonio Corvino
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Correspondence to Antonio Corvino.

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Corvino, A., Caruso, M., Varelli, C. et al. Diagnostic imaging of parotid gland oncocytoma: a pictorial review with emphasis on ultrasound assessment. J Ultrasound 24, 241–247 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00511-5

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