Concierge head-and-neck imaging · London
Salivary gland ultrasound, first-line imaging for salivary lumps, stones and Sjögren’s.
Salivary gland ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for palpable salivary gland swelling, suspected stones, chronic dry mouth workup and Sjögren’s syndrome — radiation-free, delivered by a consultant head-and-neck radiologist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
A consultant head-and-neck radiologist scans you and reports — the same clinician decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings — and, where indicated, same-visit FNA — can frequently be discussed immediately.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
What to know about salivary gland ultrasound.
A concise, clinically calibrated brief — the six things worth knowing before your appointment.
- 01
First-line salivary gland ultrasound
The recommended first imaging step for palpable salivary swelling, suspected stones and chronic dry mouth workup.
- 02
15–20 minute test
A short, targeted scan of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands.
- 03
Radiation-free
Sound waves only — safe in pregnancy, safe to repeat, safe for children.
- 04
Consultant head-and-neck radiologist
Scanned and reported by a sub-specialist — not a general sonographer.
- 05
Ultrasound-guided FNA possible
Same-visit fine-needle aspiration when a lump needs cytological characterisation.
- 06
Complements MRI sialography
Ultrasound triages; MRI sialography maps the ductal system when needed.
The journey
From consultation to plan — what happens, in order.
One clinical pathway from ENT consultation through scan, cytology and structured plan.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
ENT clinical work-up
Phase 2 · On the day
Ultrasound, FNA, cytology
Phase 3 · After
Report and plan
- 01
Before
ENT consultation
A short consultation with a head-and-neck ENT surgeon: history, medications, prior imaging, red-flag screen.
- 02
Before
Neck and face palpation
Structured examination of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, and cervical lymph node basins.
- 03
On the day
Ultrasound of parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands
A 15–20 minute scan of all six major salivary glands, plus the accessible cervical lymph nodes.
- 04
On the day
Ultrasound-guided FNA if indicated
When a lump needs cytological characterisation, a fine-needle aspirate is taken under real-time ultrasound guidance.
- 05
On the day
Same-day cytology
Slides go directly to a head-and-neck cytopathologist for preliminary interpretation, where available.
- 06
After
Structured report
A written report — gland-by-gland description, node assessment, cytology summary, clear impression.
- 07
After
Structured plan
A named next step — conservative watch, sialoendoscopy, surgery or MDT — with the clinician who will deliver it.
Typical end-to-end: 1–5 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
What salivary gland ultrasound picks up.
Ultrasound characterises the gland parenchyma, ductal system, focal lesions and adjacent nodes — enough to triage benign, indeterminate and suspicious pathology.
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Pleomorphic adenoma
The most common benign parotid tumour — ultrasound characterises the lesion and guides FNA.
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Warthin tumour
Cystic, often bilateral parotid lesion, classically in smokers — well seen on ultrasound.
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Sialolithiasis (stones)
Submandibular and parotid duct stones with proximal duct dilatation and, if acute, glandular swelling.
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Chronic sialadenitis
Heterogeneous echotexture, ductal dilatation and reduced parenchymal volume in chronic inflammation.
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Sjögren’s syndrome pattern
Multiple small hypoechoic foci in both parotid and submandibular glands — the classic ultrasound signature.
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Salivary duct dilatation
Wharton’s or Stensen’s duct dilatation from stones, strictures or extrinsic compression.
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Reactive lymphadenopathy
Reactive intra- and peri-parotid nodes with preserved hilar architecture, distinguished from pathological nodes.
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Red flag: solid heterogeneous mass — urgent MDT
Ill-defined margins, heterogeneous echotexture or abnormal nodes trigger urgent head-and-neck MDT referral.
Treatment options
What follows a salivary gland ultrasound.
The scan is the map — these are the routes that map opens up, from conservative watch to MDT-directed surgery.
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Conservative (small stones)
Hydration, sialogogues, gland massage and warm compresses for small, non-obstructing stones.
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Sialoendoscopic stone retrieval
Minimally invasive ductal endoscopy for stone extraction, sparing the gland.
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Extracapsular dissection (adenoma)
Focal removal of a benign parotid adenoma with facial-nerve preservation, where suitable.
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Superficial parotidectomy
Formal removal of the superficial parotid lobe for larger, deeper or higher-risk tumours.
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Rituximab (Sjögren’s)
B-cell-directed therapy for selected patients with active systemic Sjögren’s syndrome.
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Pilocarpine (dry mouth)
Muscarinic agonist to stimulate residual salivary flow in symptomatic xerostomia.
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Structured ENT follow-up
Serial ultrasound and clinical review to track lesion behaviour and gland function.
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Multi-disciplinary team review
Head-and-neck MDT for solid, heterogeneous or cytologically atypical lesions.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant head-and-neck radiologists with a salivary gland ultrasound practice
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Same-visit ultrasound-guided FNA where clinically indicated
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Same-day report, with images available for onward review
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Onward ENT, oral surgery or head-and-neck MDT pathway for suspicious findings
Red flags
When a salivary problem needs urgent review.
Most salivary swellings are benign — but a small number of presentations should not wait for a routine slot.
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Solid heterogeneous parotid mass
Ill-defined margins and mixed echotexture — treat as malignant until proven otherwise; urgent MDT.
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Facial nerve weakness
Any facial nerve palsy with a parotid lesion is a red flag for malignancy — urgent surgical opinion.
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Rapid painful gland enlargement
Abscess, aggressive infection or rapidly growing tumour — same-day ENT review.
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Chronic dry mouth with parotid enlargement (lymphoma risk)
Long-standing Sjögren’s with new parotid enlargement raises MALT lymphoma concern.
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Post-radiotherapy parotid nodule
New nodule in a previously irradiated gland warrants urgent characterisation.
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Immunosuppressed with parotid mass
Transplant recipients or long-term immunosuppression — low threshold for biopsy.
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HIV parotitis
Bilateral cystic parotid enlargement — requires HIV testing and specialist review.
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Sjögren’s MALT lymphoma pattern
Focal hypoechoic mass distinct from the background Sjögren’s pattern — urgent biopsy.
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Post-viral parotid abscess
Fluctuant, painful gland after mumps or viral parotitis — needs drainage assessment.
Reading your report
A salivary ultrasound report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and clinical context
Your details, presenting symptoms, prior imaging, and the clinical question being answered.
- 02 Technique
Probes and glands interrogated
High-frequency linear probe used, and which glands and node basins were assessed.
- 03 Findings
Gland-by-gland description, nodes, cytology
Parotid, submandibular and sublingual findings, duct calibre, node status, and FNA cytology where taken.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Benign versus indeterminate versus suspicious, and the concrete next step — read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about salivary gland ultrasound.
Short, honest answers on preparation, FNA, MRI, and when to escalate.
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What is a salivary gland ultrasound?
A short, radiation-free scan of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands using a high-frequency linear probe. It is the first-line imaging test for lumps, suspected stones, chronic dry mouth and Sjögren’s syndrome.
-
How long does it take?
Fifteen to twenty minutes for the scan itself. If an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate (FNA) is needed, allow an extra ten to fifteen minutes.
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Do I need to prepare?
No fasting, no preparation. Wear a top with an open neckline. If you have prior imaging or an ENT referral, bring it.
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Will I need an FNA?
Only if a discrete lump needs cytological characterisation. If indicated, it is done at the same visit under real-time ultrasound guidance — a fine needle, a small amount of discomfort, no stitches.
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Is ultrasound enough, or will I need an MRI?
Ultrasound is the first-line test and often the only imaging needed. MRI sialography is reserved for mapping the ductal system, characterising deep-lobe parotid lesions, or staging suspected malignancy.
-
When should I see an ENT surgeon urgently?
Any solid heterogeneous mass, facial nerve weakness, rapid painful enlargement, new nodule in an irradiated gland, or new parotid enlargement in long-standing Sjögren’s — urgent ENT and head-and-neck MDT review.
Sources
The guidance behind this page.
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British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association
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Royal College of Radiologists
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European Society of Head and Neck Radiology
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American Head and Neck Society
Published 2026-07-30 · Reviewed 2026-07-30 · Next review 2027-07-30 · 4-minute read
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In practice, in London
Where salivary gland ultrasound sits in a private London pathway
With salivary gland ultrasound, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Public provision for salivary gland ultrasound is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
Once you’re in the private system for salivary gland ultrasound, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For salivary gland ultrasound specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
We’re careful about what a private pathway for salivary gland ultrasound can and can’t promise. It can compress a wait, put you in front of a subspecialist quickly, and get a proper report in your hands within a week. It can’t rewrite what the imaging or the bloods say. Setting that expectation up front tends to make the whole experience less stressful.