Salivary Gland Imaging

There are wide varieties of pathologic condition that affect the salivary glands. It is important from the imaging point of view to detect, delineate the extent, involvement of adjacent structures and differentiate between benign and malignant lesion,Ultrasound should be the first line modality and should be combined with needle biopsy.The next imaging modality should be sialography. Computed Tomography is useful, besides determining the attenuation of the lesion, in detection of calculi and bony involvement, however its use is limited by high dose of radiation involved.Magnetic Resonance Imaging, due to its excellent soft tissue contrast is the preferred modality differentiating benign and malignant lesions. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are equally good in imaging of cystic & inflammatory lesions.