Search

Ultrasonography (USG) is a useful radiological diagnostic method used to examine soft tissues. High frequency sound waves are used in image formation. High frequency sound waves are transmitted to the body by a transducer and echoes reflected from the tissue interface are detected and displayed on a screen. USG has many advantages such as real-time image creation, frequent repeatability and not containing ionizing radiation. On the other hand there're some disadvantages. The interpretation of the images depends on the experience and knowledge of the relevant specialist, they cannot be used in structures containing air and their use in intra-bony tissues isn't useful. USG has evolved over time and different types such as color Doppler USG, ultrasound elastography have emerged that provide information about blood flow and show tissue elasticity. USG is used in many areas such as salivary gland diseases, soft tissue masses, lymphadenopathies, temporomandibular joint, tongue cancers and intraosseous lesions in the maxillofacial region. USG is used in the determination and followup of metastatic lymph nodes while performing lymph node examination. It would be beneficial to start using intraoral USG as a routine technique in evaluating the depth of tumor invasion to determine the appropriate treatment planning of tongue cancers, including the detection of subsequent lymph node metastases. USG is very useful in the diagnosis of superficial salivary gland tumors. Malign salivary gland tumors are usually irregularly demarcated and heterogeneous internal structure. This situation highlights the use of USG in salivary gland tumor evaluations. USG is used as a guide in fine needle aspiration biopsy. The purpose of this article is to provide information by evaluating the current literature about the use of USG in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment planning, and its effectiveness in practice in maxillofacial malignancies such as cervical lymph node metastases, tongue cancers and malignant salivary gland tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]