Parotid gland ultrasound
Quick answer: A parotid ultrasound looks at the large salivary glands in front of the ears. Doctors order it for swelling, pain or a lump near the jaw angle, or suspected salivary stones.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 15 to 20 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1You lie on your back with your head turned to the side
- 2Gel is spread over the cheek in front of the ear and along the jaw
- 3The probe is moved over the gland on each side
- 4You may be asked to suck a sour sweet or lemon to make the gland work during the scan
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A sonologist or radiologist reports on the scan, and your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
If the result is outside the usual range
A parotid ultrasound can show a stone blocking the saliva duct, an infected or swollen gland, a widened duct, a cyst, or a lump that may need a needle test. Most parotid lumps are not cancer.
Who usually has this test
People with swelling, pain or a lump in front of the ear or at the jaw angle, especially swelling that comes on with meals.
Risks and aftercare
The scan uses no radiation; the sour stimulus can make your mouth water for a while, and there is no other aftercare.
Names and options
Also called: parotid scan, salivary gland ultrasound
Listed by the hospital as
- PAROTID SCAN
Questions about this test
Why does my cheek swell when I eat?
Swelling with meals can happen when a stone or narrowing blocks the saliva from leaving the gland. An ultrasound can look for a stone or a widened duct.
Are parotid lumps usually harmless?
Most lumps in the parotid gland are non-cancerous. They are still usually checked with ultrasound and sometimes a needle test.
Can mumps be seen on a parotid ultrasound?
Mumps is usually diagnosed from symptoms and tests. Ultrasound may show swollen glands, but this can happen with other infections too.
Related tests
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.