[Sonography and scintigraphy in the diagnosis of cystadenolymphomas (warthin tumor)].

BACKGROUND

Is scintigraphy in the preoperative diagnosis of cystadenolymphomas dispensable?

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective study 35 patients with tumors of the parotid gland were examined sonographically and scintigraphycally and the results were compared with the histological findings.

RESULTS

By means of sonography 88 % (22/25) of the cystadenolymphomas were correctly diagnosed and by means of scintigraphy 80 % (20/25).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonography is recommendable as the first-line diagnostic procedure in cystadenolymphomas because it is without radiation load, the free choice of the echographic plane, and it can be repeated as often as desired. Scintigraphy adds in selected cases, as in elder patients, additional informations. The combination of sonography and scintigraphy confirms the presence of cystadenolymphoma and allows the surgeon to make a decision and to avoid surgery especially in high-risk patients.