Imaging of the salivary glands.

Salivary gland diseases are very common disorders and require radiologic evaluation. Several radiologic methods are used for assessment of these diseases. Conventional films of the parotid and submandibular glands demonstrate opaque stones in the duct system, whereas sialography depicts nonopaque stones, provides additional information on the position of the stones, and differentiates it from other calcific densities near the duct system, as well as providing information concerning ectasia of the ducts. CT has been used for evaluating mass lesions and extraglandular inflammatory disease, including abscesses. CT also depicts stones that may not be visible on conventional films. MR imaging has become an important modality in the diagnosis and definition of benign and malignant tumors and cysts and it will probably replace CT as the primary imaging modality for the assessment of these lesions. Gadolinium may be used in the examination, especially if a malignant tumor is suspected (because of irregularity and intraglandular extension).