Salivary gland ultrasound with elastography

When is salivary gland ultrasound with elastography performed? 

Salivary gland ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive imaging study that allows assessment of the size of salivary glands and detection of possible pathological changes (e.g. inflammation, nodules, cysts).

Indications for the examination include:

• suspected salivary gland diseases,
• enlargement, asymmetry of the neck or lymph nodes,
• difficult swallowing.

Ultrasound with elastography - what does it mean? 

Ultrasound with elastography is a modern diagnostic method that makes it possible to assess the elasticity of the body's internal tissues during an ultrasound examination. This is because it is worth knowing that tissues altered by disease in many cases have a different cohesiveness (hardness, elasticity) than healthy tissues. Therefore, ultrasound with elastography allows to obtain more data than classic ultrasonography, which proceeds without assessing the elasticity of tissues. 

Course of salivary gland ultrasound with elastography

Modern ultrasound machines with elastography function are used to perform the examination. From the patient's perspective, ultrasound with elastography does not differ significantly from classic ultrasound. The doctor performing the examination applies the gel-covered head of the camera to the examined area and evaluates the image appearing on the monitor. The examination takes several to several minutes and does not cause pain.

• The test does not require preparation from the patient.
• No referral for the test is required. 
• The result of the examination is available immediately.