Magnetic resonance imaging of salivary glands

Abstract

Salivary glands tumors account for 2-5% of tumors in the head and neck region, possibly being benign or malignant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents high soft tissue contrast resolution, thus being an excellent method for salivary gland analysis. The objective of this literature review is to analyze MRI as an evaluation instrument for the diagnosis of salivary glands lesions. Compared to other imaging techniques, MRI can better evaluate the relationship between adjacent anatomical structures, presenting greater sensitivity and specificity.