Salivary Gland Scan

Parotid Scan

Why It Is Done

A salivary gland scan is done to:

• Find the cause of swelling in the major salivary glands. Swelling may be caused by an infection (abscess), inflammation, or a pocket of fluid (cyst).
• See if a growth in the parotid gland is a benign Warthin's tumour or if it may be cancer.
• Find the cause of dry mouth (xerostomia). Several problems can cause dry mouth, such as a blocked salivary duct, a growth in a salivary gland, or Sjögren's syndrome.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: November 12, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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