Salivary gland ultrasound uses high-frequency linear transducers to image the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands for obstructive, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. It is the primary imaging tool for salivary duct calculi and acute sialadenitis, and complements CT/MRI in gland mass evaluation.
Sonographers assess gland size, echogenicity, duct caliber, and the presence of calculi — which appear as echogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing within the ductal system. Parotid and submandibular masses are characterized for solid versus cystic components, margins, and vascularity. Sjögren’s syndrome produces bilateral, heterogeneous glandular changes with multiple hypoechoic foci visible on ultrasound.
Salivary gland imaging falls under the ARDMS Small Parts (SP) specialty within the RDMS. Sonographers in this area work in head and neck surgery practices, otolaryngology offices, oral and maxillofacial surgery departments, and rheumatology clinics evaluating autoimmune conditions. Familiarity with the relationship between gland anatomy and facial nerve branches is important for communication with surgical teams.