Martinoli et al reported a grading system for vascularity of a salivary gland mass using color Doppler ultrasonography. This can help to decide the mass is benign or malignant. The authors are from Universita di Genova, Ospedale di Busto Arsizio and Ospedale di Gonzia in Italy.
Patient selection: salivary gland mass
Study: color Doppler ultrasound
Blood flow signals may be described as punctate, short or linear,
Blood Flow Signals
Other
Grade
none
0
1 or 2
single feeder vessel at hilum
I
3 or more
vessels with clear walls throughout
II
high number
large feeder vessel
III
The vascularity is further classified as:
(1) peripheral (basketlike; seen in pleomorphic adenoma)
(2) hilar (branching)
Malignant salivary gland tumors usually have high-grade vascularity.
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