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What is a salivary gland scan?
A salivary gland scan is a nuclear medicine test that examines the uptake and secretion in the salivary glands of a radioactively labeled marker substance. The pattern of uptake and secretion shows if these glands are functioning normally.
What is the parotid gland used for?
The parotid gland is one of the salivary glands in humans. In fact, it is the largest salivary gland. It releases saliva into the mouth to begin the processes of digestion and swallowing.
What does the salivary glands consists of?
The salivary glands consist of three pairs of major glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) as well as numerous minor glands. They produce saliva, which is essential for moistening the mouth, initiating digestion, and protecting teeth from decay.
Salivary gland tumors?
DefinitionSalivary gland tumors are abnormal cells growing in the ducts that drain the salivary glands.Alternative NamesTumor - salivary ductCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe salivary glands are located around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to help with chewing and swallowing.Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process, and help cleanse the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. By keeping the mouth moist, saliva helps to keep dentures, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances in place.There are three pairs of major salivary glands. The largest are the parotid glands, located in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears. Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. There are also thousands of minor salivary glands around the rest of the mouth.All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.Salivary gland tumors are rare, especially in children. Swelling of the salivary glands is most commonly due to:Abdominal surgeryCirrhosis of the liverInfectionsOther cancersSalivary duct stonesSalivary gland infectionsSarcoidosisSjogren syndromeThe most common type of salivary gland tumor is a slow-growing noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parotid gland that gradually increases the size of the gland. However, some of these tumors can be cancerous (malignant).Malignant salivary gland tumors are usually carcinomas.SymptomsA firm, usually painless swelling in one of the salivary glands (in front of the ears, under the chin, or on the floor of the mouth); the size of the swelling gradually increases.Difficulty moving one side of the face, known as facial nerve palsySigns and testsAn examination by a health care provider or dentist shows a larger-than-normal salivary gland, usually one of the parotid glands.Tests may include:X-rays of the salivary gland (called a ptyalogram or sialogram) to look for a tumorCT scan or MRI to confirm that there is a growth, and to see if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neckSalivary gland biopsy or fine needle aspiration to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignantTreatmentThe recommended treatment is usually surgery to remove the affected salivary gland. If the tumor is benign, no other treatment is usually needed.Radiation therapy or extensive surgery may be needed if the tumor is cancerous. Chemotherapy is sometimes used in patients who are considered high risk, or when the disease has spread beyond the salivary glands.Expectations (prognosis)Most salivary gland tumors are noncancerous and slow growing. Removing the tumor with surgery usually cures the condition. In rare cases, the tumor is cancerous and further treatment is needed.ComplicationsCancerous tumors may cause further complications, including spread to other organs (metastasis).Rarely, surgery to remove the tumor can injure the nerve that controls movement of the face.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:You have pain when eating or chewingYou notice a lump in the mouth, under the jaw, or in the neck that does not go away in 2 - 3 weeks or is getting largerReferencesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Head and Neck Cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network: 2009. Version 1.2009.Posner M. Head and neck cancer. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 200.Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/01/2010David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What radioactive marker is used for salivary gland scans?
a low-level radioactive marker, usually technetium-99m or technetium pertechnetate.
How are adrenal gland tumors treated?
Adrenal gland tumors are usually always surgically removed, whether they are benign or malignant. Adrenal gland removal typically does not affect endocrine function due to compensation from other glands in producing hormones.
For what purposes is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy used?
detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. It is used to diagnose early-stage cancer and can frequently help determine whether a growth is benign or malignant
What body part does the medical root word sialo refer to?
The medical root word 'sialo' refers to the saliva (used in connection with a salivary duct or gland).
What is a western diamondback rattlesnake's adaptation besides the rattle?
As with all rattlesnakes, the salivary gland has adapted to produce venom which is a digestive fluid and used in food getting and defense.
What can a CT scan detect in the head and how is it used to diagnose medical conditions?
A CT scan can detect abnormalities in the head such as tumors, bleeding, and infections. It is used to diagnose medical conditions by providing detailed images of the brain and surrounding structures, helping doctors identify and evaluate any issues present.
What are thyroid function tests used for?
help diagnose an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), evaluate thyroid gland activity, monitor response to thyroid therapy
How long for salivary gland biopsy?
A salivary gland biopsy typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform. The procedure can vary in duration depending on the complexity and the specific technique used, such as fine-needle aspiration or excisional biopsy. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling afterward, but the overall time spent in the clinic may be longer due to preparation and recovery. Results usually take a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory analysis.
