Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Do you get up in the morning and feel a sore throat that doesn’t go away during the day? Or maybe you are tired of earache and you are afraid that this may be the beginning of inflammation? Such symptoms do not necessarily indicate the beginning of the infection. However, if the pain lasts a long time and is bothersome, its diagnosis should begin with an ultrasound of the salivary glands. Learn the indications and contraindications for its implementation.
What are the salivary glands?
The salivary glands are glands that, as the name suggests, are responsible for the production of saliva in our body. They are located within the mouth and throat in the form of three large pairs and hundreds of small glands supporting them. The biggest and most problematic ones are parotid glands.
The main function of the salivary glands is production of saliva. Why is it so important? Saliva helps not only when swallowing food, but its ingredients allow the digestion of sugars to begin in the mouth. In addition, saliva contains bactericidal substances that limit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and inhibit the development of tooth decay. Interestingly, the salivary glands are able to produce up to 1 liter of saliva a day.
What is an ultrasound examination?
Ultrasound, i.e. ultrasound examination, is a modern, safe and non-invasive imaging method of diagnosing changes taking place in the body. The examination is not based on the use of harmful X-rays, as in the case of an X-ray image, but uses ultrasound waves. Ultrasound is nothing but acoustic waves that cannot be heard by the human ear.
Ultrasonograf, i.e. the device for performing an ultrasound examination, consists of two main parts – a head that the doctor puts on our skin and a monitor on which the image of the internal tissues of our body appears. But what is the research itself? When applied to the body, the head sends ultrasound waves that penetrate the skin. These, due to the different types of tissues, reflect on them in different ways. The reflected waves are caught back by the head and processed on to the screen of the ultrasound monitor.
The undoubted advantage of ultrasound is that it is a completely non-invasive method and allows it to be carried out in real time. This means that there is no time shift between the application of the transducer to the patient’s body and the appearance of the image. With the help of this study, it is possible to visualize changes and processes taking place in organs at a given moment.
Indications for ultrasound of the salivary glands
The most common indication for ultrasound of the salivary glands is intense, recurring pain in the ear area. In many cases, it is caused by irregularities in the salivary glands. Ultrasound of the salivary glands allows for the assessment of the size and structure of the glandular parenchyma. Another indication is the enlargement of the salivary glands. Performing an ultrasound examination allows you to:
- diagnosis of salivary gland inflammation;
- diagnosis of salivary gland stones;
- diagnostics of tumors and neoplasms;
- assessment of the condition of the salivary glands after procedures and operations;
- carrying out a biopsy of the salivary glands.
- diagnosis of salivary gland inflammation;
- diagnosis of salivary gland stones;
- diagnostics of tumors and neoplasms;
- assessment of the condition of the salivary glands after procedures and operations;
- carrying out a biopsy of the salivary glands.
- diagnosis of salivary gland inflammation;
- diagnosis of salivary gland stones;
- diagnostics of tumors and neoplasms;
- assessment of the condition of the salivary glands after procedures and operations;
- carrying out a biopsy of the salivary glands.
The most common diagnosis after ultrasound examination of the salivary glands is urolithiasis, which most often affects the submandibular glands. So if, in addition to pain, there is a feeling of dry mouth, sore throat or purulent discharge, an ultrasound should be performed as soon as possible.
Contraindications for ultrasound of the salivary glands
Ultrasound examination of the salivary glands is a safe, non-invasive and accurate method that allows you to visualize the actual condition of the glands. For this reason, there are practically no contraindications preventing the test from being performed. However, if a patient has open wounds or burns in the test field, the test should not be performed. It is also worth remembering that in patients with pain in the salivary glands, pressing the head against the gland by the doctor may cause discomfort.
How to prepare for ultrasound of the salivary glands?
No special preparation is needed for ultrasound examination of the salivary glands. On this day, it is worth choosing a comfortable outfit that will not cover the neck, which can make the examination much more difficult. Jewelry in the form of necklaces or long earrings should also be left at home. Men are usually asked to shave beforehand, as stubble can also be difficult during ultrasound. You should also remember to bring your previous salivary gland ultrasound results, if you have done one in the past.
Ultrasound of salivary glands – the course of the examination
The examination is usually preceded by a doctor’s interview with the patient about the ailments, illnesses and medications taken. The patient is then asked to lie down on the couch and tilt their head so that the neck is completely exposed. The doctor will use paper towels to protect the patient’s clothes and apply a special gel to the examined area, the purpose of which is to improve the ultrasound conductivity and facilitate the head’s glide.
Moving the transducer over the examined area, the doctor will assess the size of the salivary glands, their condition and the appearance of the lymph nodes. Since the image of the examined place immediately appears on the ultrasound screen, the doctor can immediately measure the size and assess the condition of any changes and abnormalities. After completing the examination, the patient receives photos taken during the examination along with a medical description. The test takes about 20 minutes.
Since the test does not affect the patient’s condition, he or she may immediately resume normal activities.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.