Evaluation of the Parotid Gland

This chapter discusses proper evaluation of parotid gland disorders. This includes clinical evaluation (history-taking and physical examination), laboratory studies with emphasis on saliva flow and composition, imaging studies (plain radiography, different techniques of sialography, ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging), sialoendoscopy, and cytology/biopsy (fine-needle aspiration cytology, core-needle biopsy, liquid-based cytology, ultrasound core biopsy, and frozen section biopsy). In addition, classification systems for cytology are provided: the Milan System and the Osaka Medical College Classification.