Salivary Gland Scan
Results
A
Reference salivary gland Opens New Window scan uses a special camera and a
Reference tracer Opens New Window (radioactive chemical) to take pictures of the
Reference salivary glands Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window.
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. |
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The salivary ducts leading from the salivary glands are not blocked. Saliva is released in response to sucking on a lemon. |
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| Abnormal: |
The tracer does not move evenly through the salivary glands. A pocket of fluid (Reference cyst Opens New Window), a pocket of infection (Reference abscess Opens New Window), or a tumor or other growth may be present. |
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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. |
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The flow of tracer through the salivary glands is decreased. This may point to a condition, such as Reference Sjögren's syndrome Opens New Window. |
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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). |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 28, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
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