MRI Scan - Parotid Test

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetism and radio waves to create cross section pictures of the body. It shows up soft tissues very clearly as it takes detailed pictures of the body. People usually have an MRI scan in the x-ray (radiology) department as an outpatient. An MRI is considered the best way to identify salivary gland tumors, as it can identify their exact location, dimensions and relationship to the surrounding structures. And parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands and secretes saliva via the parotid duct into the oral cavity to facilitate mastication and swallowing. It is located in the parotid space.

Make sure you inform your doctor about the following beforehand: any operations you’ve had any metal implants or other metals in your body An MRI scan uses strong magnetism which could affect any metal in your body. But, you can have an MRI scan even if you have some metals in your body when your doctor and radiographer decide if it is safe for you. Tell the scanner staff about any metals in your body.

Some people feel claustrophobic or closed in when they’re having an MRI scan. The hospital staff can take extra care to make sure you’re comfortable and that you understand what’s going on. Your doctor can give you medicine to help you relax if you need it. You might need to stop eating and drinking an hour or more before the scan. Talk to your doctor if this could be a problem, for example if you're diabetic. You can usually take all your medicines as normal beforehand. Some stick-on medicine patches contain metal and could overheat in the MRI scan, causing burns. You might need to remove them before the scan.

MRI scans can help determine the exact location and extent of a tumor. They can also show any lymph nodes that are enlarged or if other organs have suspicious spots, which might be due to the spread of cancer.

You lie on a couch that can slide into the tube. You usually lie down on your back. You might have an injection of a dye called contrast medium. This helps to show up your body’s organs more clearly. You have the injection through a small plastic tube (cannula) into a vein in your arm. The couch moves through the MRI scanner. It takes pictures as you move through it.