Salivary glands

X-ray (sialography)

• No longer in use

Ultrasound

• Seldom used, can differentiate between cystic and solid lesions

CT (with and without contrast)

• With bacterial parotitis, acute or chronic (concrement induced)
• Sialadenosis
• Ranula

NB: no examination indicated with viral parotitis (mumps)

MRI

• For investigation of malignant and benign tumours
• With persistent peripheral facial paralysis