Coronal MRI showing right parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma. There are many diagnostic methods that can be used to determine the type of<unk>  and if it is benign or malignant. Examples of diagnostic methods include: Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health. The head, neck, mouth, and throat will be checked for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken. Endoscopy: A procedure to look at organs and tissues inside the body to check for abnormal areas. For<unk><unk>  cancer, an endoscope is inserted into the mouth to look at the mouth, throat, and larynx. An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. MRI or CT Scan: These tests can confirm the presence of a<unk> . An MRI or CT Scan can also show whether metastasis has occurred. Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid using a thin needle. An FNA is the most common type of biopsy used for<unk><unk>  cancer, and has been shown to produce accurate results when differentiating between benign and malignant<unk> s. Radiographs: An OPG (orthopantomogram) can be taken to rule out mandibular involvement. A chest radiograph may also be taken to rule out any secondary<unk> s. Ultrasound: Ultrasound can be used to initially assess a<unk>  that is located superficially in either the submandibular or parotid<unk> . It can distinguish an intrinsic from an extrinsic neoplasm. Ultrasonic images of malignant<unk> s include ill-defined margins. Furthermore, high resolution ultrasound can identify the exact<unk>  location within the parotid<unk> , its relationship to the retromandibular vein and assist surgical excision. Classification Due to the diverse nature of<unk> s, many different terms and classification systems have been used. Perhaps the most widely used currently is that system proposed by the World Health Organization in 2005, which classifies<unk>  neoplasms as primary or secondary, benign or malignant, and also by tissue of origin. This system defines five broad categories of<unk><unk>  neoplasms:230x230px Benign epithelial<unk> s * Pleomorphic adenoma * Warthin's<unk>  * Myoepithelioma * Basal cell adenoma * Oncocytoma * Canalicular adenoma * Lymphadenoma * Sebaceous lymphadenoma * Nonsebaceous lymphadenoma * Ductal papilloma * Inverted ductal papilloma * Intraductal papilloma * Sialadenoma papilliferum * Cystadenoma * Malignant epithelial<unk> s * Acinic cell carcinoma * Mucoepidermoid carcinoma * Adenoid cystic carcinoma * Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma * Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma * Clear cell carcinoma, not otherwise specified * Basal cell adenocarcinoma * Sebaceous carcinoma * Sebaceous lymphadenocarcinoma * Cystadenocarcinoma * Low-grade cribriform cystadenocarcinoma * Mucinous adenocarcinoma * Oncocytic carcinoma *<unk>  duct carcinoma *<unk>  duct carcinoma, not otherwise specified * Adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified * Myoepithelial carcinoma * Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma * Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma * Carcinosarcoma * Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma * Squamous cell carcinoma * Large cell carcinoma * Lymphoepithelial carcinoma * Sialoblastoma * Soft tissue<unk> s * Hemangioma * Hematolymphoid<unk> s * Hodgkin lymphoma * Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma * Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma * Secondary<unk> s (i.e. a<unk>  which has metastasized to the<unk><unk>  from a distant location) Others, not included in the WHO classification above, include: * Intraosseous (central)<unk> s * Hybrid<unk> s (i.e. a<unk>  displaying combined forms of histologic<unk>  types) * Hybrid carcinoma * Others * Others * Keratocystoma * Sialolipoma
Salivary gland tumour
Thyroid neoplasm
Thyroid lymphoma
Salivary gland fistula
Salivary gland disease
Salivary duct stricture
Thyroid cancer
Nasal glioma