MRI for Salivary Gland Pathology — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: D — MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the gold standard for soft tissue evaluation of the salivary glands. It provides excellent soft tissue contrast, allows multiplanar imaging, and does not use ionising radiation. MRI can differentiate between benign and malignant tumours, assess perineural invasion, evaluate deep lobe parotid tumours, and identify intraglandular pathology. T1-weighted images with gadolinium contrast enhance tumour margins. MRI sialography (non-contrast) can demonstrate ductal morphology without catheterisation. Ultrasound is an excellent first-line screening tool but has limited deep tissue penetration and cannot assess deep lobe parotid tumours or perineural spread.
Reference: White & Pharoah – Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation, 8th ed., 2019