Salivary Gland Scan: Results
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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.
| 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). |
| Last updated: | September 11, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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