Parotid Gland

Children can have abnormally enlarged  lymph nodes  (swollen glands), also known as lymphadenopathy, for many reasons. Most are related to an infection during which the glands will “trap” a circulating virus or bacteria and trigger an inflammatory response to kill it. The swelling of the lymph nodes is referred to as  lymphadenopathy . With that being said, just because you can feel a child’s lymph nodes doesn’t mean that the child has lymphadenopathy. It is not uncommon to feel some normal-sized lymph nodes in infants and toddlers, with the lymph nodes measuring less than about one cm (around 1/2 of an inch.) FUNCTION  The lymph nodes are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which includes lymph fluid, lymph vessels, the tonsils, the thymus, and the spleen. There are over 600 lymph nodes in the body, some of which are located near the surface of the skin and other that are located deep in the abdominal or chest cavity. Lymph fluid i...

When people refer to swollen glands, most of the time they are actually referring to swollen lymph nodes ( lymphadenopathy ). Unlike glands, which secrete saliva, sweat, tears, or milk, lymph nodes release substances that help fight infections, such as those that, for example, cause a strep throat or a tooth abscess. When your lymph nodes are swollen, it most often means they are doing their job. There are more than 600 lymph nodes in your body. As part of your  immune system , they stand ready to trap and kill a circulating virus or bacteria that can (or is) making you sick. You can find lymph nodes in the following areas of your body: Back of the head (occipital) Front of the ear (preauricular) Behind the ear (postauricular) Under the jaw (submandibular) Under the chin (submental) Cheek area (facial) Front of the neck (anterior cervical) Back of the neck (posterior cervical) Above the collarbone (supraclavicular) Behind the kne...

After the MRI is complete, there may be a brief recovery period if you have been given medications to feel more relaxed. Otherwise, there typically is no delay in returning to your normal activities, allowing these tests to be done as an outpatient. The test results become available after they have been reviewed by a radiologist and will often be conveyed by the doctor who ordered the MRI. Should You Worry About Spots on Your MRI?

There are some common concerns related to having an MRI. The test is generally safe and painless, with little risk for complication, but there are a few elements that may lead to discomfort and distress. The biggest concern most people have is feeling  claustrophobic . This occurs when someone is placed in a confined space, such as the MRI tube, and feels anxiety as a result. Although the use of mirrors may help, some people may need medications to help them feel more relaxed. If you are concerned that you will become claustrophobic, you should make your needs known prior to the test. The use of open-ended (or open-sided) MRI machines can also alleviate this feeling. If you are significantly obese, the MRI machine may be too small to fit you inside. The size restriction varies based on the machine, and alternatives can typically be found.

In most cases, an MRI will be performed while you lie flat on your back on a movable examination table. You will be positioned so that the area of the body that needs to be scanned is accessible to the MRI machine. You may lie with a neck and head brace, padding, or sheet to make you more comfortable. There may be a few belts put in place to help you remain in place. If you are to receive contrast material with your study, an intravenous (IV) line will be placed prior to the test beginning. As the test can be noisy, earplugs, headphones, or other hearing protection devices may be used. The examination table will move in and out of a large tube during the study. A mirror may be put into place above your eyes so that you can see out of the machine. Once you are initially put in position, the technologist will leave the room. You will be able to communicate with them during the study. They will be able to monitor you from nearby and can return quick...

Prior to an MRI, most individuals will have a conversation with their doctor to discuss the reason for the test. As part of this, a careful assessment of your history will occur. This typically involves a checklist to ensure that the MRI can be performed safely. As MRI scans are done with a large magnet, it will be important to identify any metal that may be present in your body. Certain metals within your body may prevent you from getting an MRI, and you may be asked about: Prior surgery with retained metal implants (including artificial metallic prostheses, pins, screws, plates, stents, clips, or staples) Implanted devices (including pacemakers, cochlear implants, drug infusion ports, artificial heart valves, and nerve stimulators) Tattoos (those more than 20 years old may contain metal in the ink that may cause irritation though the evidence for this is limited) Work as a welder (with the possibility of metal fragments within the eye) Retained metal...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)  is a non-invasive radiographic study used to diagnose medical problems. Much like an  x-ray , the technique allows the visualization of structures that would otherwise be inaccessible without surgery. This is accomplished with the use of a large magnet, rather than x-ray radiation, while the patient lies on a table. The pulse of the magnet affects the water molecules of the body and the resulting changes can produce images. MRI is especially helpful in specific areas of the body, including the brain. An MRI may be ordered if your doctor suspects that there is a structural abnormality that may be causing your symptoms. For instance, some individuals may have central sleep apnea because of a stroke. Alternatively, seizures that occur during sleep may prompt an MRI of the brain to investigate the cause of  epilepsy .