Physiologic MR Imaging of Salivary Gland Tumors (PSGT)

The goal of this study is to use advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to help identify the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous salivary gland tumors for improving treatment strategies and to aid in the prediction of disease progression.

The goal of this proposed study is to investigate the potential utility of combined analysis of parameters (Ktrans, ti and ADC) in discriminating benign from malignant salivary glands tumors (SGTs). A total of 30 treatment naïve patients suspicious of SGT as observed on clinical evaluation and prior routine CT, MRI, Ultrasound, FNAC and/or PET will undergo 3T MRI. The MRI protocol will include acquisition of anatomical images with and without contrast agent injection, diffusion imaging and dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI.

You are being asked to complete one research MRI scan with and without contrast since your most recent clinical evaluation and/or prior imaging has shown the presence of a suspicious salivary gland tumor, prior to your scheduled upcoming surgery. MRI contrast agents act like a dye to make MRI pictures brighter and easier to read. During each MRI scan, you will have an intravenous line (IV line) placed. The IV line allows the contrast agent to be injected into your vein. If you have a history of renal disease you may be asked to complete a blood draw of approximately 2.5cc (½ teaspoon), for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) assessment for participation into the study.

Differentiation of malignant from benign neoplasms and progression free survival at 6 month starting from end of chemo-radiation treatment

Inclusion Criteria: Possess a salivary gland lesion of 1cm3 size Have no prior history of treatment for salivary gland lesion Exclusion Criteria: Has any prior history of cancer other than SGT Has any MRI contra-indications Has a history of known renal disease. Has history of prior radiation to head and neck region Is pregnant