normal echogenicity
homogeneous hyperechogenicity similar to the parotid gland.
pathology
acute inflammation
sialadenitis – heterogeneous, hypoechoic gland, micro abscesses
inflammatory mass – hypoechoic ,ill defined gland, ducts within lesion
abscess- frank fluid, gas microbubbles
the ultrasound distinction of benign and malignant lesions is not precise but suspicion should be aroused when the lesion is ill defined or locally invading, when it is deep in the lobe, and when neck nodes are present.