Saliva is what keeps our mouths moist and comfortable when we eat and talk, right? Saliva is very important for our body. So, this saliva is produced by a system of small glands in and around our mouths. This is what we call the "Salivary Glands". Sometimes, if doctors suspect that there is a problem, blockage, or lack of function in these glands, they do a special test to find out exactly what it is. That test is called the Salivary Gland Scan. Many people get scared when they hear the word 'scan', but this is really nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about this clearly today.
What exactly is a Salivary Gland Scan?
Simply put, this is a special imaging test under the heading of nuclear medicine . It takes pictures of your salivary glands and checks whether they are working properly and whether saliva production and flow are normal. This test is also called a "salivary gland function scan" because it mainly looks at the function of the glands. It is also sometimes called a "parotid scintigraphy" because it provides information about the parotid glands, the main salivary glands located on either side of our cheeks.
In what cases would a doctor recommend this scan?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend this scan. If you have any of the following symptoms, this test can help determine the cause.
| Symptom/condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Suspected salivary gland blockage or tumor | If the doctor suspects that there is a stone, other blockage, or tumor in the ducts that carry saliva, this scan can help confirm it. |
| Swelling or pain | If you have swelling or pain inside your mouth, around your jaw, or near your ears, this is used to determine if the cause is a problem with your salivary glands. |
| Constant dry mouth (Xerostomia) | Some people have a dry mouth all the time. This is medically called (Xerostomia) . This can be caused by the salivary glands not producing enough saliva. So this scan will help to know exactly if that is the case. |
How does this scan work? It's amazing!
This scan uses two main things. One is a special camera, and the other is a radioactive tracer .
Don't be scared by the word 'radioactive'. This uses a very small, safe dose. Think of this substance called a ``tracer'' as a small GPS. When it is injected into the body, it mixes with saliva and travels through the salivary glands. That special camera can record the journey of this ``tracer'' as pictures. By looking at those pictures, the doctor can see exactly whether the saliva is moving properly through the salivary glands, whether it is stuck somewhere, or whether it is moving slowly or quickly.
Simply put, this creates a 'live' map of the road ahead. That's how you find out where the problem is.
How should I prepare before the scan?
This doesn't require much preparation, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- When you come for the test, remove all jewelry from your face, head, and neck, such as earrings and necklaces .
- If you have an allergy to any food , inform the medical staff in advance.
- This is very important: If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding , you must tell the doctor or staff before the scan.
What happens during the scan?
Okay, now let's see what exactly happens on the day of the scan. It's a very simple process, so don't be nervous.
1. First, you will be made to lie down on a special table in the nuclear medicine room.
2. Then, a device that takes pictures, similar to an X-ray machine, is brought close to your face and neck. It doesn't touch your body.
3. Next, a technician will inject a very small amount of the tracer into a vein in your arm. This will feel like a needle prick when you have your blood drawn. It will only hurt a little.
4. Now the first part of the test begins. Your salivary glands will be photographed for about 45 minutes. You will not feel any pain during this time, and the equipment will not do anything. All you have to do is lie still and relax.
5. After the first few pictures are taken, you will be given a lemon wedge, lemon-flavored chocolate, or something else sour to stimulate your salivary glands (i.e., to make you produce more saliva).
6. After you eat it, pictures are taken for about 20 more minutes to see how fast the salivary glands are working.
When it's all done, you can get up and leave. The whole process usually takes about an hour or an hour and a half.
What should I do after the scan?
After the scan, you can go about your normal activities. Unless your doctor has given you special instructions, there are no restrictions. However, to prevent others from being exposed to the very small amount of tracer in your body, there are two simple things you can do:
- Within the first 24 hours after the scan, flush immediately after you go to the bathroom, as a small amount of the ``tracer`` will leave your body in your urine and stool.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet.
Are there any risks with this scan?
The risks are very low compared to the benefits of this test for most people. The amount of radioactive material that is put into your body is very small, and it is usually completely eliminated from your body within a day.
However, there are some special circumstances where this test may have to be postponed or not performed.
| Special occasion | What you need to know and do |
|---|---|
| Allergies to tracer substances | If you have had an allergic reaction to this type of radioactive material before, be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Tracer substances can pass into breast milk. Therefore, do not breastfeed your baby for a day or two after the test. Instead, give expressed breast milk or formula that you have used before the test. You can pump and dump your milk until your doctor says it is safe to breastfeed again. |
| If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant | The amount of radiation exposure during this test may not be safe for the fetus. Therefore, unless there is an urgent need, this test is often postponed until after delivery. It is extremely important to inform the doctor about this. |
What will the scan results be?
Typically, a radiologist will review your scans and send a report to the doctor who referred you for the test. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you.
| Result type | What does that say? |
|---|---|
| Normal Result | This means that the ``(tracer)`` substance is moving through your salivary glands normally, without any blockage or obstruction. This means that the glands are functioning well. |
| Abnormal Result |
|
What if my results are abnormal? What happens next?
If your results are abnormal, your doctor will explain why and what to do next. They may be able to talk to you about treatment options or refer you to another specialist for further treatment. In some cases, further testing, such as a biopsy, may be needed to get more information before a definitive diagnosis can be made.
Ultimately, a Salivary Gland Scan is a painless, non-invasive test that can help diagnose problems with your salivary glands. If you have any concerns, questions, or concerns about this test, talk to your doctor about it. They are there to help you. They will explain why you need this test, what to expect, and how to make you as comfortable as possible during the test.
Take-Home Message
- A Salivary Gland Scan is a simple, usually painless test that checks the function of your salivary glands.
- This is very helpful in finding the cause of things like constant dry mouth, swelling, or pain in the jaw and cheek area.
- Although a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) is used, the dose is very low and safe. It usually leaves the body within a day.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have previously had an allergy to such a substance , it is imperative that you tell your doctor before the test.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the test, discuss them openly with the doctor. That way, you can understand everything clearly and face the test with ease.
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