안면부 연조직 진단에서 외래기반 초음파의 사용 : 증례 보고(3례) 및 문헌 고찰

Abstract

Ultrasonography is relatively inexpensive, non-invasive imaging tool and provides real-time imaging. In addition, the images can be obtained repeatedly. But it is not widely used by dentists because it is hard to interpret and technique sensitive. Above all, ultrasonography cannot be used for hard tissue diagnosis. However, ultrasonography can be applied for diagnosis of infection, soft tissue tumor and inflammatory muscle diseases which are commonly found in dental outpatients.

Generally, it shows well-defined border, hypoechoic and homogenous structure in case of benign tumor. Malignant tumor appears relatively irregular margin and heterogenous structure. Cyst represents relatively echo-free features compared with benign tumor. Although the general characteristics of abscess are similar with benign tumor, we can observe an increased vascularity and different clinical features.

The purpose of this report is to present 3 cases of US images using office-based ultrasonography with their features and discuss the role of office-based ultrasound in dentistry for diagnosis of soft tissue lesions with literature review.