A 40-year-old man presents to his physician with recurrent swelling and pain in his parotid gland, especially during meals. The physician suspects parotid gland stones (sialolithiasis) and plans to confirm the diagnosis with imaging.
Parotid calculi are best diagnosed by:
A. Plain radiograph of parotid gland
B. Plain radiograph occlusal view
C. CT scan
D. X-ray skull lateral view
Answer:
The Correct Answer is: CT scan (C):
Explanation:
CT scan (C):
– A CT scan is the most effective imaging modality for diagnosing parotid calculi. It provides detailed images of the parotid gland and can identify the presence, size, and exact location of the stones.
– CT scans are highly sensitive and can detect stones that might not be visible on plain radiographs, especially if the stones are radiolucent or small.
Explanation of Incorrect Options:
Plain radiograph of parotid gland (A):
– While a plain radiograph can sometimes detect parotid stones, it is not as sensitive as a CT scan. Many parotid stones are radiolucent and may not appear on plain X-rays.
Plain radiograph occlusal view (B):
– An occlusal view is typically used for visualizing the floor of the mouth and is more relevant for diagnosing submandibular gland stones rather than parotid gland stones.
X-ray skull lateral view (D):
– A lateral view X-ray of the skull is not typically used for diagnosing parotid calculi. It does not provide the necessary detail or specific imaging needed to accurately detect stones in the parotid gland.
In conclusion, a CT scan is the best diagnostic tool for identifying parotid calculi, making option C the correct answer.