Please explain my ultrasound report.

Question

Hi doctor,

I would like you to take a look at my ultrasound report from today. The region of interest is superficial to the left parotid corresponds to a 12 x 14 x 5 mm focus of echogenic soft tissue, possibly representing accessory parotid tissue. Within it are some small rounded hypoechoic foci. No increased vascular flow. Multiple normal lymph nodes are noted elsewhere.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your ultrasound scan report shows that there is a small area in the left parotid region, the upper part of the neck, and this is on a plane above the parotid gland, a salivary gland.
This is likely a normal accessory (extra) salivary gland and less likely to be any abnormal or disease condition.
To be certain, it is advised to get a needle test called FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), in which a few cells will be taken out from the area and examined under a microscope.
The other lump mentioned is a lymph node and is not a concern since it is small in size.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Accessory glands do not have any size criteria. However, the size mentioned is a small one and, therefore, less alarming.
Accessory glands can appear anywhere around the native parotid gland. Feeling an accessory gland separately is possible if it is superficial, as in your case.
There are no words supporting malignancy in the report. An FNAC done under ultrasound guidance can give accurate findings. If doubt persists, then a biopsy may be considered.
The hypoechoic areas are assumed to be scattered lymphoid tissues, which can occur in salivary glands.