Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic procedure that takes pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time, so they can show the structure and movement of internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. What’s more, Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation (used in x-rays), so there is no radiation exposure to the patient.

Why would a doctor recommend a neck ultrasound?

Your doctor would order an ultrasound of the neck if he or she suspects a problem or a developing condition in your carotid arteries, lymph nodes or thyroid.

Here’s what a neck ultrasound shows

When examining the carotid arteries, a neck ultrasound:

  • Can detect blocked or narrowed carotid arteries, which can indicate an increased risk of stroke.
  • Can help a physician determine what kind of treatment is needed to lower the risk of stroke.

When evaluating the thyroid gland, ultrasound is performed to look for nodules, growths or tumors to inform doctors by:

  • Confirming that a lump in the neck is developing from the thyroid or connected tissue.
  • Detecting thyroid nodules that require a biopsy. If a biopsy is needed,ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is performed to remove tissue or fluid from the nodule to be checked for cancer
  • Looking for more nodules in people with one or more nodules felt during a physical exam.
  • Observing the growth of a thyroid nodule to ensure it does not grow to a painful size or begin to bleed.

Ultrasound is also used to observe the lymph nodes to:

  • Help determine the stage (extent) of lymphoma.
  • Help show if treatment is working.
  • Look for possible signs of lymphoma coming back after treatment.
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