Salivary Gland Imaging

Imaging methods used to display normal human anatomy and to reach a diagnosis of various diseases have improved dramatically over a few decades. A detailed clinical history and physical examination usually provide the clinician a reasonable clinical diagnosis. However, imaging is often necessary to confirm the clinical findings, provide an imaging diagnosis and accurately map the anatomical extent of the abnormality. The necessity of imaging is dependent on the clinical scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician. Salivary gland imaging has shifted from predominantly using plain film conventional radiography and sialograms to a far greater reliance on the highly accurate and sophisticated Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging, Ultrasonography, Scintigraphy and Positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this compilation is to discuss the role of various imaging modalities in the assessment of salivary gland diseases and the imaging features of commonly encountered salivary gland lesions.