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

What Is MRI Parotid Gland?

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
| Feature | MRI | CT | Ultrasound |
|-----------------------|-----|----|------------|
| Radiation | 0 | Yes | 0 |
| Soft-tissue detail | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Nerve mapping | Yes | Limited | No |
| Cost in Bangalore | ₹4,500–₹7,000 | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ₹1,200–₹2,000 |

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Parotid Gland?

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

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)

Benefits of Taking the Test

• 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

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Parotid Scan

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

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Pre-requisites

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

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Best Time to Take the MRI Parotid Gland

• 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

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Eligibility

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)

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Procedure for Taking an MRI Parotid Gland

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

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Caution Before Taking the Test

• 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