Physiologic MR Imaging of Salivary Gland Tumors

Physiologic MR Imaging in Distinguishing Benign From Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors

The goal of this study is to use advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to help identify the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous salivary gland tumors for improving treatment strategies and to aid in the prediction of disease progression.

The goal of this proposed study is to investigate the potential utility of combined analysis of parameters (Ktrans, ti and ADC) in discriminating benign from malignant salivary glands tumors (SGTs). A total of 30 treatment naïve patients suspicious of SGT as observed on clinical evaluation and prior routine CT, MRI, Ultrasound, FNAC and/or PET will undergo 3T MRI. The MRI protocol will include acquisition of anatomical images with and without contrast agent injection, diffusion imaging and dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Possess a salivary gland lesion of 1cm3 size
• Have no prior history of treatment for salivary gland lesion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has any prior history of cancer other than SGT
• Has any MRI contra-indications
• Has a history of known renal disease.
• Has history of prior radiation to head and neck region
• Is pregnant