High Resolution Ultrasound of the Submandibular Gland

Abstract

Submandibular gland, the second largest salivary gland is commonly affected by various disorders. They range from sialolithiasis, sialoadenitis, and systemic conditions to focal benign or malignant lesions. Being superficial, the gland is very well evaluated by high frequency ultrasound. The disease characterization is possible in large number of cases. The ease in guidance for fine needle aspiration or biopsy has made ultrasound a preferred imaging modality in evaluation of submandibular gland diseases. The common pathologies and their ultrasound appearances are discussed in this article.

Keywords

• high frequency ultrasound
• neck ultrasound
• salivary gland ultrasound