ObjectivesTo explore the percentage enhancement wash-out ratio (PEW) and relative PEW (RPEW) of low-dose multi-phasic computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing benign from malignant parotid gland tumours.MethodsThis study was approved by the ethics committee, and informed patient consent was obtained. 51 patients with parotid tumours proven by histopathology received CT, including 18 with pleomorphic adenomas, 14 with Warthin’s tumours and 19 with malignant tumours. Size and attenuation of parotid tumours were measured. Compared with 5-min attenuation, the 30-s and 90-s PEW (PEW30, PEW90) and RPEW (RPEW30, RPEW90) were calculated.ResultsThere was a significant difference in PEW30, RPEW30, PEW90 and RPEW90 in the parotid neoplasms groups (P < 0.01), and statistical significance existed simultaneously in pleomorphic adenomas vs malignant tumours and Warthin’s tumours vs malignant tumours according to SNK-q test. The optimal diagnosis results of malignancy with 100% specificity (32/32) was obtained by using a combination of the following criteria: −70% > PEW30 < 36%, −30% > PEW30 < 19%, PEW90 > 12%, and the sensitivity (74%) for diagnosis of malignancy was yield.ConclusionsWash-out ratio may assist in differentiating the benign from malignant parotid gland tumours. Combining the percentage of enhanced wash-out ratios of CT protocols can yield diagnostic results for malignancy.

Background: Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is relatively rare and constitutes a variety of histological subtypes. Previously published studies of SGC patients suggest that postoperative radiation using conventional radiotherapy (RT) or 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy may have led to suboptimal oncological outcomes. Methods:We identified 60 patients with major SGC treated with surgery followed by postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Data for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), prognostic factors, and treatment-related toxicities were analyzed. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

Background To investigate the outcomes, prognostic factors, patterns of failure, and adverse events in patients with salivary gland cancer (SGC) treated with surgery and postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods We identified 60 patients with major SGC treated with surgery followed by postoperative IMRT. Data for overall survival (OS),progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), prognostic factors, and treatment-related toxicities were analyzed. Survival was calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was used to identify prognostic factors for OS, PFS, LRRFS and DMFS. Results Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) was the most common histology ( n =21; 35%). With a median follow-up of 55.5 months, OS and PFS were 90.7%, 85.1%, and 85.1%; and 80.1%, 72.7%, and 63.1%, at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. LRRFS and DMFS at 3, 5, and 10 years were 87.4%, 82.1%, and 82.1%; and 85.3%, 78.4%, and 66.1%, respectively. Five-year OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS for ACC was 100%, 67.7%, 76.2%, and 90.2%, respectively. In MVA, N stage was an independent predictor of PFS ( p =0.047). Positive margin was a significant prognostic factor for PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS ( p =0.036, 0.026, and 0.011, respectively). Major nerve involvement was significantly correlated with PFS and DMFS ( p =0.034 and 0.008, respectively). Interval from surgery to radiotherapy (RT) predicted PFS and DMFS ( p =0.036 and 0.012, respectively). The most common acute toxicities were mucositis and dermatitis, and xerostomia was the most common late adverse event. Lung metastasis was the most common pattern of distant failure. Conclusion Postoperative IMRT leads to improved survival for SGC patients with acceptable toxicities.