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Diseases of the submandibular gland as demonstrated using high resolution ultrasound

¹ Department of Radiology, ² Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, UK and ³ Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong

Correspondence: Dr David Howlett, Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2UD, UK

In this review the high resolution ultrasound appearances of the normal anatomy and pathology involving the submandibular gland are demonstrated. The submandibular gland is affected by a number of disease processes that may be difficult to distinguish clinically. Its superficial location makes it ideal for ultrasound evaluation and a useful adjunct to clinical examination. In the assessment of submandibular pathology ultrasound allows intraglandular and extraglandular lesions to be localized and differentiated. These lesions can be further characterized as being benign or malignant and the extent of any extraglandular extension determined. Ultrasound is the first-line investigation in the assessment of sialolithiasis due to its high specificity and sensitivity. In severe infective sialadenitis ultrasound can confirm the presence and guide drainage of abscesses. Ultrasound also has an important role in the assessment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome.

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