Salivary Gland Scan

What is a salivary gland scan?

A salivary gland scan is a nuclear medicine test that takes pictures of your salivary glands (the glands in your mouth that make spit) to see if they work properly. Other terms for this test include “salivary gland function scan” and “parotid scintigraphy” because it also provides information about your parotid glands.

When is this test performed?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a salivary gland scan if you have:

• Signs of a blockage or growth in your salivary glands.
• Swelling or pain in the areas around your salivary glands (in your mouth or around your jaw and ears).
• Xerostomia (dry mouth).

How does a salivary gland scan work?

A salivary gland scan uses a camera and a radioactive substance called a tracer. The tracer highlights saliva as it moves through your salivary glands.

How do I prepare for this test?

Before your salivary gland scan, you’ll need to remove all jewelry from your face, head and neck. You’ll also need to let your provider know if you have any food allergies or if you’re pregnant or could be pregnant.

What happens during a salivary gland scan?

During the test, you lie down on a table in a nuclear medicine room. Then, your provider (usually a nuclear medicine technologist) will:

1. Place the imaging equipment near your face and neck. The equipment is similar to an X-ray machine.
2. Inject a small amount of the tracer into one of your veins, usually in your arm. You may feel a poke or pinch during this process.
3. Take pictures of your salivary glands, which may take up to 45 minutes. You won’t feel any pain from the pictures or equipment.
4. Give you a lemon candy, some lemon juice or another sour substance, which stimulates your salivary glands (makes your mouth water).
5. Take more pictures of your salivary glands for up to 20 minutes.

What should I expect after the test?

After your salivary gland scan, you can resume normal activity unless your provider tells you otherwise. To avoid exposing others to any remaining radioactive tracer in your body, you should:

• Flush the toilet immediately after using it. Small amounts of tracer will be in your urine and stool (poop) for the first 24 hours after your scan.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom.

What are the risks of a salivary gland scan?

The benefits of this scan outweigh the risks for most people who need this test. The amount of radioactive substance you receive is low and usually leaves your body within one day. However, certain people may need to avoid or delay this test, including those who are:

• Allergic to tracers: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to radioactive tracers in the past, tell your healthcare provider.
• Breastfeeding (chestfeeding): Radioactive tracers can get into your breast milk. Don’t breastfeed your baby for one to two days after your test. Instead, feed your baby breast milk that you pumped before your test or formula. You can use a breast pump to pump your milk and then discard it (“pump and dump”) until your provider says it’s safe to breastfeed again.
• Pregnant or might be pregnant: The radioactive exposure in this test may not be safe for a fetus. In most cases, you should delay or avoid this test unless it’s urgently needed.

What results should I expect from a salivary gland scan?

In most cases, a radiologist will examine the images from your scan. They’ll send information to your referring healthcare provider, who’ll discuss the results with you.

A normal result means the tracer moves through your salivary glands without any blockage or slowdown. An abnormal result may mean that the tracer:

• Can’t move through your salivary glands, which may be a sign of Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Flows too slowly or unevenly through one or more of your glands, which could mean that a cyst, stone or growth is blocking one of your glands.
• Is flowing too quickly through one or more of your glands, which may be a sign of parotitis.

If my results are abnormal, what are the next steps?

If you receive a new diagnosis, your provider may discuss your treatment options or refer you to another specialist for care. In some cases, you may need additional tests, like a biopsy, to get more information before you can receive a diagnosis.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A salivary gland scan is a noninvasive test that can identify conditions that affect your salivary glands. It’s usually painless and requires no special prep or aftercare. If you’re stressed or concerned about the test, tell your provider. They’re here to support you and help you get the best care. Together, you can discuss why you need the test and how to be as comfortable as possible throughout the process.