Salivary Gland Scan

Parotid Scan

Results

A salivary gland scan uses a special camera and a tracer (radioactive chemical) to take pictures of the salivary glands.

The results of a salivary gland scan are usually available within 2 days.

Salivary gland scan

Normal:	The tracer moves evenly through the salivary glands and is released normally into the mouth.
	The salivary ducts leading from the salivary glands are not blocked. Saliva is released in response to sucking on a lemon.
Abnormal:	The tracer does not move evenly through the salivary glands. A pocket of fluid (cyst), a pocket of infection (abscess), or a tumor or other growth may be present.
	The tracer may not flow normally from the salivary glands into the mouth. This may be caused by a tumor pressing on the duct, a stone in the duct, or inflammation of the duct.
	The flow of tracer through the salivary glands is decreased. This may indicate a condition, such as Sjögren's syndrome.
	The amount of tracer in the salivary glands in front of the ear is greatly increased. This may indicate inflammation or infection of the parotid glands (parotitis).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: September 11, 2007
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.