Salivary gland ultrasound at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Salivary gland ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging examination used for pain, swelling or a palpable lump in the area of the salivary glands. It mainly assesses the parotid and submandibular glands, their structure and the surrounding tissues. The examination can help diagnose inflammation, salivary stones, cysts and focal lesions that require further investigation.
At OpenMed in Warsaw and at OpenMed in Płock you can have a salivary gland ultrasound without any special preparation. The examination does not use X-rays, does not require a contrast agent and you can go straight back to your daily activities afterwards.
When should you have a salivary gland ultrasound?
The examination is worth having above all when a new thickening or swelling appears around the jaw, cheek or in front of the ear. Ultrasound is also useful for symptoms suggesting obstructed saliva outflow or inflammation.
Indications for salivary gland ultrasound may include:
- pain or swelling of a salivary gland,
- enlargement of the area in front of the ear or under the jaw,
- a palpable lump,
- symptoms that get worse during eating,
- recurrent inflammation of the salivary glands,
- suspected salivary stones,
- a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the area of the salivary glands,
- follow-up of a previously detected lesion.
If the swelling grows quickly and is accompanied by a high fever, severe pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, urgent medical assessment is needed. A scheduled ultrasound should not delay getting help in such a situation.
Radiology specialists at OpenMed
Book a radiology consultation or imaging assessment with specialists focused on accurate diagnostics.
What can be seen on a salivary gland ultrasound?
During the examination the doctor assesses the size and structure of the glands. The doctor can check whether changes involve the whole gland or are localised. The accessible excretory ducts as well as the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are also assessed.
Ultrasound can show features of acute or chronic inflammation of the salivary glands. It can also reveal many of the stones associated with salivary stone disease, as well as dilated ducts, which may indicate obstructed saliva outflow.
The examination is also used to detect focal lesions such as cysts or tumours. However, the ultrasound image alone does not always make it possible to determine the nature of a lesion with certainty.
Salivary gland pain during eating - could it be a stone?
One of the characteristic reasons for having an ultrasound is pain and swelling that appears or gets worse during a meal. Saliva production increases while eating. If its outflow is obstructed by a stone or a narrowed duct, the gland can quickly become painful and enlarged.
Ultrasound can show the stone and signs of saliva retention. Not all stones are equally visible, however, and some salivary ducts are difficult to reach in a standard examination through the skin. If the symptoms clearly suggest a stone but the ultrasound result does not explain their cause, the doctor may recommend further diagnostics.
What does a salivary gland ultrasound look like?
The examination is usually performed lying down. The doctor applies gel to the skin of the neck and face and then places the ultrasound probe over the salivary glands. The glands are assessed in different planes and both sides are compared.
The examination is painless, although in acute inflammation pressure from the probe on a swollen gland may cause brief discomfort.
Ultrasound does not involve exposure to ionising radiation. It can also be used when a lesion needs to be monitored over time.
How to prepare for a salivary gland ultrasound?
Salivary gland ultrasound does not require fasting or a special diet. You can take your usual medication as normal, unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
It is worth bringing earlier results of ultrasound, CT, MRI or biopsy to the examination, if they were performed for the same problem. Comparing the current image with earlier examinations can be important when assessing how a lesion changes over time.
Before the examination it is a good idea to remove jewellery from the neck and around the ears so that it does not get in the way of the area being examined.
Can ultrasound diagnose a salivary gland tumour?
Ultrasound can detect a focal lesion and describe its features, such as size, location, structure and blood supply. It can also help assess the nearby lymph nodes.
Not every lesion, however, can be clearly classified as benign or malignant on the basis of the ultrasound image alone. If the doctor finds a lump that needs verification, the next step may be an ENT or surgical consultation, a biopsy or an additional imaging examination.
For this reason the terms "tumour" or "focal lesion" in an ultrasound report do not mean a diagnosis of a malignant cancer.
What happens after the examination?
Further management depends on the cause of the symptoms. If there are signs of inflammation, the doctor may recommend appropriate treatment and follow-up. In the case of stones, what matters includes the location and size of the stone and the severity of symptoms.
If the ultrasound detects a focal lesion, the result helps plan the next stages of diagnostics. Not every such lesion requires the same management. The decision depends on its appearance, size, location and the patient's symptoms.
A normal ultrasound result also does not always end the diagnostic process. If a palpable lump, recurrent swelling or other symptoms persist, the doctor may decide to carry out another examination.
Salivary gland ultrasound - FAQ
No. The examination does not require fasting or a special diet.
Ultrasound can detect many stones in the salivary glands and assess signs of obstructed saliva outflow. Not all stones are clearly visible, however, so with typical symptoms further diagnostics are sometimes needed.
Usually not. The examination involves moving the probe over the skin. In severe inflammation, pressure on the painful area may cause short-lived discomfort.
No. Focal lesions of the salivary glands can be of various kinds. Ultrasound helps detect and describe them, but in some cases a biopsy or additional imaging is needed to make a diagnosis.
Yes. The examination is non-invasive, does not require anaesthesia or a contrast agent and does not restrict normal activity after it is finished.