CT Parotid

Why MRI Is the Gold-Standard for Parotid Gland Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging delivers unmatched detail of soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels around the parotid gland. Unlike CT or ultrasound, MRI:

• Shows tiny tumors <3 mm
• Reveals nerve involvement before surgery
• Uses zero ionizing radiation

Local Availability at Cadabams Diagnostics

Located in central Bangalore, our 1.5T & 3T MRI suites offer:

• Same-day appointments (7 am–9 pm)
• On-site radiologists for immediate review
• Transparent pricing with digital reports in 6 hours

Definition and Purpose

An MRI Parotid Gland scan is a specialized head-and-neck MRI focused on the paired salivary glands in front of your ears. It creates multi-angle 3D pictures to detect cysts, stones, inflammation, or tumors.

How It Differs From CT or Ultrasound

Contrast vs Non-Contrast MRI

• Non-contrast: Quick 15-minute scan for basic anatomy
• Contrast (Gadolinium): Highlights blood supply and tumor borders; takes 25 minutes

High-Resolution and Functional MRI Options

• 3T High-res: Finer detail for surgeons
• DWI/ADC maps: Helps separate benign vs malignant lesions

Radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics check:

• Tissue contrast (T1, T2, fat-suppressed)
• Signal intensity patterns
• Tumor margins—smooth vs infiltrative
• Deep-lobe vs superficial-lobe location
• Facial-nerve and vascular involvement

• Evaluate suspicious lumps or asymmetrical swelling
• Follow-up after inconclusive ultrasound/CT
• Pre-surgical mapping for parotidectomy planning
• Monitor recurrent sialadenitis (gland infection)

Symptoms That Prompt Referral

See your doctor if you notice:

• Painless lump in cheek or neck
• Sudden facial swelling after meals
• Persistent dry mouth or bad taste
• Facial-nerve weakness (rare)

Age Groups and Risk Factors

• 20–40 yrs: Benign tumors (pleomorphic adenoma)
• 50+ yrs & smokers: Warthin tumor risk
• Any age: Recurrent salivary-gland infections

• Accurate characterization of tumors—reduces unnecessary biopsies
• No ionizing radiation—safe for children and repeated follow-ups
• Single scan shows both glands, both sides of neck, and related nerves
• Digital report accessible on your phone in 6 hours

Fasting and Medication Instructions

• Fasting 4 hours only if contrast is planned
• Continue regular medicines—bring a list
• Inform if on metformin (diabetes) or have kidney issues

What to Wear and Remove

• Wear metal-free clothing or change into a gown
• Remove jewelry, hearing aids, and credit cards

• Doctor’s prescription with reason for scan
• Kidney function tests (creatinine) if contrast is requested
• Previous imaging CDs—bring them for comparison

• Morning slots (7–10 am) ideal for fasting contrast studies
• Emergency scans available 24×7 for trauma or acute infection
• Routine follow-ups can be booked on weekends too

Who Can Safely Undergo MRI

• All age groups, including infants (sedation optional)
• Pregnant women—after 1st trimester only if essential

Contraindications

• Cardiac pacemaker (MRI-conditional devices allowed)
• Cochlear implants
• Metal fragments in eye (screening X-ray needed)

1. Check-in at reception with ID and prescription
2. Safety screening—metal checklist
3. Change clothes and store valuables in a locker
4. Lie on MRI table—head in a cushioned coil
5. Earphones for music and noise reduction
6. Scan time: 15–25 minutes
7. Contrast injection (if ordered) via IV line midway
8. Relax—you can talk to the technologist anytime
9. Dress up and collect digital report token

• Inform staff about claustrophobia—open-bore MRI available
• Pregnancy test if you are or could be pregnant
• List all implants—tattoo ink, shrapnel, or stents

MRI Safety Considerations

• No radiation risk
• Magnetic field may heat or shift metal implants—always inform staff about pacemakers, cochlear implants, or orthopedic screws.

What the Scan May Miss

• Very small stones (<1 mm)—CT sialogram is better
• Active inflammation in early phases—may need follow-up scan