OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings and pathological results of rare parotid gland tumors, and improve diagnosis accuracy.

METHODSThe enhanced CT manifestations of 22 cases with pathologically documented rare parotid gland tumors, which included 6 cases of basal cell tumor, 5 cases of myoepithelioma, 4 cases of vascular invasion, 3 cases of lymphatic cyst, 3 cases of lipoma, and 1 case of chondrosarcoma, were retrospectively analyzed. The location, size, shape, density, and relationship with surrounding structure were evaluated on CT images.

RESULTSThe enhanced CT showed that basal cell tumors occurred in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, with clear boundary, within the cystic lesion. The lesions were moderate to obviously enhanced, which may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. Myoepithelial tumors were located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, with a small cystic prone and microcalcification within a few cases. The lesions were moderate to obviously enhanced. Hemangiomas of soft tissue mass prominent in the parotid gland surface were mild to significantly enhanced. Larger lesions may occupy the entire parotid gland, with uneven density and visible vein stone. The CT density values of the lymphatic cyst were usually higher. Chondrosarcoma mainly manifested cystic mass at the calcification edge. Lipoma with fat density mass exhibited clear boundary without enhancement. Fiber separation could be observed in the lesion.

CONCLUSIONCT can reflect the pathological features of rare parotid gland tumors by demonstrating their corresponding imaging features. Enhanced CT is the most effective means of imaging to identify the nature of rare tumor of the parotid gland lesions.