Accessory parotid gland

Last revised by Rania Adel Anan on 21 Dec 2023

Accessory parotid glands are a normal variant and represent ectopic salivary tissue separate from, but usually in close proximity to, the main parotid glands.

Accessory parotid glands are commonly picked up incidentally on ultrasound; seen in ~20% of the general population 2.

Located on the lateral aspect of the masseter muscle, anterior to the main parotid gland, usually superior (occasionally anterior) to the main parotid duct (Stensen duct) 2,3. They are, on average, within 6 mm of the main parotid gland 8

Accessory parotid glands have their own blood supply and secondary duct emptying into the main parotid duct 4.

Accessory parotid glands have the same US echotexture, CT density, and MRI signal as the main parotid glands.

  • facial process of the parotid gland 8

Any disorder that affects the main parotid gland may also affect the accessory parotid tissue, but tumors of the accessory parotid glands are rare 5,6.

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