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Definition

A salivary gland scan is a nuclear medicine test that examines the uptake and secretion in the salivary glands of a radioactively labeled marker substance. The pattern of uptake and secretion shows if these glands are functioning normally.

Purpose

A salivary gland scan is done to help diagnose the cause of dry mouth. It is a test that is done when Sjogren's syndrome, salivary duct obstruction, asymmetric hypertrophy, or growths such as Warthin's tumors are suspected.

Precautions

Salivary gland scans are a safe, effective way to diagnose problems associated with dry mouth. The level of radioactivity in the marker substance is low and poses no threat. The only people who should not undergo this test are pregnant women.

Other recent nuclear medicine tests may affect the results of this scan. It may be necessary to...