[Present role of diagnostic imaging in the study of extensive pathology of the parotid gland].

After the introduction in diagnostic imaging of CT and US beside sialography (SG), today it is possible completely evaluate the ductal system as well as the parenchima of the parotid gland. The authors examine the results and limitations of these new imaging modalities, outlining their role in the evaluation of parotid masses. Echography, because of high sensitivity, seems to be the method of choice for the first approach to this pathology, while sialography and CT can be successful in some circumstances: the first allows to easy outline the inflammatory involvement of the gland, while CT seems to be essential for the study of deeply situated tumors and for a complete spatial evaluation.