Sonography of the salivary glands

Sonography has established itself as the primary imaging technique in the diagnosis of salivary gland diseases. A sonographic examination is generally sufficient to diagnose sialolithiasis. If chronic sialadenitis or sialadenosis is suspected and if sonographic findings turn out to be insufficient, a conventional sialography may be required in specific cases. Histologic clarification is imperative once the presence of a mass has been established. In the event that the extension and relationship of the tumor to its surroundings cannot be determined sonographically, a subsequent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination should be performed.