Computed tomographic findings of maxillofacial SCC and undifferentiated carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives: Tomographic findings contribute enormously to the accurate diagnosis ofmalignant lesions in due time and/or at imminent stages. This study investigates CT‑scanfindings of maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. Materials and Methods: CT images of 61 maxillofacial malignant tumors included 42 SCCsand 19 undifferentiated carcinomas were evaluated based on the location, internal density,border, bone destruction and expansion, periosteal reaction, emphysema, calcification, loss offacial and fat plane, and fat plane reticulation, by two expert radiologists separately. The datawere analyzed, using Chi‑square and Fisher s exact test. Results: Isodense/homogeneous (78.7%) and total heterogeneous enhancement (87.8%)appearance were the most common internal patterns detected before and after injection ofcontrast, respectively. There was a significant association between borders and pathology of ourtwo lesions (p= 0.007). Conclusions: It is highly unlikely to diagnose the tumor histopathology based merely on itstomography patterns; however it is feasible to determine its aggressive nature.