Every day, we eat, speak, and swallow without thinking about the small glands that make these actions possible. Our salivary glands work around the clock to produce saliva. We tend to notice them only when something changes: swelling near the ear, a clicking sensation, or persistent dry mouth.

Which glands are examined?

There are three main pairs of salivary glands:
• The parotid glands, the largest of the three, are located in front of and around the ears.
• The submandibular glands are located beneath the lower jaw.
• The sublingual glands are located beneath the tongue.

Together, these glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth moist, protects the teeth, and begins the digestive process.

When should you consider an ultrasound?

An examination may be recommended if you experience swelling around the cheek, neck, or jaw, pain when chewing or swallowing, unexplained dry mouth, clicking near the ear, or recently developed facial asymmetry. It can also be useful after an injury or as a follow-up after surgery.

Not every lump or swelling involves the salivary glands. It may be an enlarged lymph node, a lipoma, or simply a normal anatomical variation. Ultrasound helps distinguish between these possibilities and can provide reassurance.

Why is ultrasound useful?

The salivary glands are located close to the surface of the skin, making them easy to examine with ultrasound. The scan allows the doctor to assess the size and shape of the glands, examine their tissue structure, check for stones in the ducts, identify cysts or other growths, and evaluate blood flow.

Ultrasound is particularly helpful when a stone blocks a salivary duct. This can cause pain during meals because saliva cannot drain properly, causing the gland to swell. The scan can show where the blockage is located.

How is the examination performed?

The procedure is painless and requires no special preparation. You simply lie down while the doctor moves an ultrasound probe over the skin of your face and neck. You can speak during the examination, although staying quiet helps keep the muscles relaxed.

The scan usually takes 10–15 minutes. Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and can be easily wiped away afterward.

Why does it matter?

Changes in the salivary glands can reflect broader health issues, including dehydration, hormonal changes, and inflammation. When symptoms appear, an ultrasound can help identify their cause rather than leaving you to guess.

2026 © Elena Konovalova