X-ray (sialography)
- No longer in use

Ultrasound
- Seldom used, can differentiate between cystic and solid lesions

CT (with and without contrast)
- With bacterial parotitis, acute or chronic (concrement induced)
- Sialadenosis
- Ranula

NB: no examination indicated with viral parotitis (mumps)

MRI
- For investigation of malignant and benign tumours
- With persistent peripheral facial paralysis