Private Salivary Gland Ultrasound in London

Why do my salivary glands swell when I eat?

Eating makes the glands produce saliva. If a duct is blocked by a stone or narrowed, the saliva backs up and the gland swells, then settles as it drains. Ultrasound shows the stone or the narrowing and the widened duct behind it.

Can ultrasound find a salivary stone?

Yes. Most stones show clearly, along with the widened duct behind them. Very small stones at the front of the duct can be harder to see; if symptoms strongly suggest a stone that is not seen, your specialist explains the next step.

Is a lump in my salivary gland serious?

Most salivary gland lumps are benign, and the two commonest types, pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumour, have recognisable features on ultrasound. A small number need a fine needle aspiration to be sure. Your specialist tells you on the day which group your lump falls into.

What is sialadenitis?

Inflammation of a salivary gland, usually from a blocked duct, dehydration or infection. The gland is swollen, warm and tender. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis, looks for a stone or an abscess, and the report guides treatment.

Does a salivary gland ultrasound hurt?

No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel. If a gland is tender, the specialist presses carefully. The scan takes around fifteen to twenty minutes.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with us online or by phone. If your GP or dentist has asked for the scan, bring their note and we will address the report to them.

How much does a salivary gland ultrasound cost?

At Harley Street Ultrasound a private salivary gland ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images.

What if you find something?

Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.

Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.

Do I need a referral?

No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a salivary gland ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a salivary gland ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.

If you are wondering how much a private salivary gland ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.

How soon will I have the written report?

Usually the same day: a Harley Street salivary gland ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.

The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.

What happens after the scan?

Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.

Can I still use the NHS afterwards?

Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.