Imaging techniques of salivary glands

Abstract

Salivary glands are the important structures of the maxillofacial region. Various pathosis such as cysts,tumors,sialolith can be found in these glands. For evaluation and diagnosis of salivary gland lesions, various imaging techniques can be used. These techniques include conventional radiographs, sonography , CT,MRI and nuclear medicine. According to the lesion,s nature , the specific imaging techiques are used. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate and review of imaging techniques which needed for evaluation of salivary glands. refernce text books and articles were published in Medine are used For this thesis.The convenhional radiographs have the minor role but in evaluation of sialoliths and bony erosion due to salivary gland lesions may be used. Sialography is the choice method for evaluation of salivary gland ducts. For assessment of inflammatory lesions of salivary glands, CT is the choice method. For salivary glands tumor, sonography and MRI can be used. Nuclear medicine is emphoyed for evaluation of salivary glands function in autoimmune diseases.