Radiologic imaging features of major salivary glands: a review

ABSTRACT

The predominant salivary glands are parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Innumerous small salivary glands are present in the buccal cavity, pharynx, and the larynx, which are not identified on usual radiologic studies. Frequently used radiology imaging comprise of plain radiography and conventional sialography. Nowadays, high-resolution ultrasonography [HRUS] is being progressively used for the salivary gland imaging. Hence, the significance of cross-sectional studies like computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] have transformed the imaging of the salivary glands. Different changes in radiologic studies have led to increase sensitivity in the detection of disorders that include the significant salivary glands. Ultrasonography, plain radiographs, sialogram, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], computed tomography [CT], and nuclear scintigraphy /positron emission tomography [PET] all considered as involving in the programming of future treatment, surgical or otherwise. We reevaluate the techniques applied for the chief salivary glands imaging, and its application. An exploration of literature search was determined utilizing the electronic databases of Pub Med, Google scholar, Elsevier from 1970 to 2015 for English-language articles. The search terms utilized were salivary gland imaging. The titles and abstract of articles were evaluated. Entire text and reviews were appraised when the abstracts meet to the inclusion criterion. This review included all articles that were used for the advancement of information about salivary gland imaging