MR Imaging of Salivary Gland Tumors

MR imaging findings are usually not specific for a particular histopathologic diagnosis and ultimately biopsy or excision is required for definitive diagnosis. We can use certain conventional MR Imaging features to suggest that a mass is more likely to be a benign or low-grade malignancy versus highgrade, and adding advanced MR techniques (DWI/ diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion, spectroscopy) can aid in this distinction. It is important to be cognizant of potential pitfalls when interpreting imaging, and keep in mind that the smaller the gland, the higher the likelihood of malignancy, such that sublingual masses should be considered malignant regardless of appearance until proven otherwise.