Proper documentation of cheek and buccal ultrasound findings is essential for diagnostic accuracy, comparison during follow-up, and guiding interventional procedures. A structured approach ensures that all clinically relevant details are recorded and archived systematically.
1. Representative Static Images: - Acquire and save high-resolution static images in both transverse (axial) and longitudinal (sagittal) planes. - Ensure the lesion or area of interest is centered within the field of view. - Use annotation tools to label the plane, side (right/left), and region (buccal, perioral, parotid duct).
2. Doppler Documentation: - Capture color Doppler or power Doppler images to demonstrate vascularity, perfusion, or proximity of vessels. - Store short cine clips (3–5 seconds) for dynamic assessment of vascular flow patterns. - Document ductal flow when evaluating obstruction, strictures, or calculi in Stensen’s duct.
3. Measurement Protocol: - Apply calipers to measure lesion size in three orthogonal dimensions: length × width × depth. - Record measurements in millimeters or centimeters with consistent units. - If cystic or abscess cavity, measure both cavity dimensions and wall thickness. - Document volume estimation if relevant (using ellipsoid formula).
Measurement Panel Draw Rect Text Pan + Measurements
4. Anatomical Localization: - Specify the lesion’s precise anatomical reference point. - Example: “Lesion located 2 cm anterior to the tragus, at the mid-buccal level, superficial to the buccinator muscle.” - Describe relation to adjacent structures such as buccinator muscle, buccal fat pad, Stensen’s duct, or facial vessels.
5. Interventional Records (if applicable): - Save still images or cine clips showing needle entry, trajectory, and final tip position within the lesion during FNAC, biopsy, or drainage. - Confirm absence of vascular injury using Doppler before and after the procedure. - Record aspiration volume, specimen collection, or drainage details if performed.
6. Archiving & Reporting: - Store images in PACS or a secure digital archive with patient identifiers. - Incorporate annotated images and Doppler clips into the structured sonographic report. - Ensure measurements and locations are clearly transcribed into the findings section of the report for reproducibility.
Declaration: Certified and declared by R. K. Mourj, Radio-Imaging Technologist. This documentation guideline is intended for academic training, structured reporting, and interventional sonography education in the cheek/buccal region.
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