What is Ultrasound of the Neck?

Neck Ultrasounds use ultrasound imaging to examine soft tissues in the head and neck region. They can be useful in investigating the Salivary glands, Lymph nodes and Thyroid as well as lesions, infections and injuries to the soft tissues of the neck.

What happens during a Neck Ultrasound?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – the day of your procedure

There is no specific preparation and you may eat and drink as desired before and after the procedure. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your health status, medication, and any known allergies. You may also be asked to change into a gown and remove some jewellery for your scan.

B. During your Neck Ultrasound

Procedure

You will be made comfortable on the examination table. Gel will be applied to the area being imaged to help create a good contact between you and the ultrasound probe. The probe will be placed directly onto the gel and your skin for the duration of the examination.

Your ultrasound will be performed by a Radiologist (medical specialist) or a sonographer (a specially trained technologist). Because the examiner is interpreting moving images on a screen a high degree of concentration is required.

Ultrasound examinations are not painful and generally not invasive but may be uncomfortable, particularly if you must move a body part that causes you discomfort.

Most ultrasound examinations will be completed within 30 minutes. It is not unusual for the radiologist to come in and speak with you and view the images on the screen.

Risks and side effects

Ultrasounds are a very low risk procedure and complications are rare however you should be informed of the possible risks and side effects.

Risks associated with this procedure include:

• If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.

Any medical procedure can potentially be associated with unpredictable risks.

Who will perform my Neck Ultrasound?

Your ultrasound examination will be carried out by a sonographer (a technologist trained in ultrasound imaging)

What happens after a Neck Ultrasound?

How do I get my results?

After your appointment, the information from your scan is interpreted by Envision’s Radiologist before delivery of a report to your doctor.

Post-procedure

You should be able to go about your daily activities after your appointment.