In Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, get your X-Ray Sialogram from an NABL- and NABH-accredited Diagnostic Centre; avail the innovative and advanced services of Medical Treatment, Diagnostics and Imaging (Radiology). Contrast is also used for a special type of study called sialography to look at the salivary glands' ducts and to check if any abnormalities are present that interfere with the flow of the salivary glands. It may help physicians make a diagnosis of recurrent swelling of the glands, a suspected blockage of a duct, and other diseases of the duct system of the salivary glands.

About X-Ray Sialogram

An X-ray sialogram to examine a salivary duct with X-rays is used to help diagnose the problem, typically the parotid or submandibular duct. The opening of the salivary gland ducts is filled with the contrast agent, and X-ray images are taken to see the salivary ducts and to look for any structural defects. It is recommended for patients who experience further complications of fullness and discomfort in the area around their salivary glands, particularly while eating, or when a doctor suspects that a salivary duct is blocked or narrowed.

What is X-Ray Sialogram?

A procedure called sialography is used with the injection of a special dye and X-rays to identify ducts (tubes) from the salivary gland to the mouth. As the procedure is performed, access to the chosen duct is determined, and a small catheter might be inserted to instill a material. These images are then sent to determine the ducts' shape and the distribution of the contrast. During the examination, the narrowing, obstruction and/or ductal dilatation and other abnormalities may be identified. This is dependent on the gland to be examined and clinical indication.

Common Reasons for X-Ray Sialogram

• Recurrent Salivary Gland Swelling: An aid to investigation of recurrent swelling of the cheeks or under the lower jaw.
• Salivary Duct Obstruction: Evaluates possible obstruction of flow of saliva into the salivary ducts, which increases risk of an inability to drain saliva normally.
• Problem: Pain during meals; Glands: pain or swelling that may occur with an increase in saliva during eating.
• Duct Narrowing: Assess possible narrowing in the salivary ducts or obstruction of the salivary ducts.
• Recurrent Gland Inflammation: Can help/examine a few cases of recurrent inflammation in either the small glands or the salivary glands.
• Helps to investigate salivary duct network abnormality – suspect: Ductal Abnormalities.
• Further Evaluation of Persistent Symptoms: May be suggested if there is a clinical assessment or investigation that suggests a duct problem.

Conditions Evaluated

Salivary Duct Obstruction

Sialography will reveal if a duct is blocked or if it is narrowed or misshapen and may demonstrate the path traced by the contrast through the salivary duct.

Salivary Duct Strictures

The exam can be used to see if any part of the duct system is narrowed, which may prevent enough saliva from flowing through.

Chronic Sialadenitis

Changes in a salivary gland duct system can be correlated with the chronic inflammatory changes of a salivary gland. Selected ductal abnormalities related to recurrent or longstanding inflammation can be assessed by sialography.

Ductal Dilatation and Irregularities

The ductal system may be dilated (enlarged) and contoured (wavy) and give other ductal changes by which the radiologist will be able to evaluate the condition of the salivary glands.

Recurrent Salivary Gland Symptoms

However, sialography may be useful for further clues to ductal anatomy in those selected cases in which the symptoms are persistent or recurrent, and the ductal etiology is suspected.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

The clinical services available at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy include all the Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology services and are an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre. The imaging services are focused on appropriate imaging procedures, experience in imaging interpretation with a radiology physician, patient-focused care, and proper documentation in imaging reports. Contrast media procedures are different in their specific needs and are accompanied by the necessity of adequate clinical evaluation and supervision, ensuring patient protection and diagnostic excellence criteria.

Book Your X-Ray Sialogram

If you were advised that you might need an X-ray Sialogram, please check with Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy regarding availability, when it is best to have the procedure, and what you need to do to prepare for this. Provide them with your prescription and other medical details to help you with the best procedure for your examinations.