A neck ultrasound can be used to assess the thyroid gland (the gland that enlarges in goitre), the salivary glands and the lymph nodes.
The thyroid gland regulates the rate at which the body works, and nodules — that is, masses — are common within it. For this reason, a neck ultrasound is a radiological test that should frequently be requested as part of cancer screening.
Inflammation, stones and masses are also frequently encountered in the salivary glands. These causes can easily be distinguished with a neck ultrasound.
The lymph nodes in the neck can enlarge while fighting off germs, and also as a result of cancer cells spreading to the lymph node. Lymph nodes also have their own cancers, called lymphoma. Neck ultrasound is widely used to distinguish between these conditions.
In addition, a neck ultrasound provides us with very useful information for the early diagnosis of certain congenital cysts that are commonly seen in the neck, and of masses arising from blood vessels and nerves.
Neck ultrasound is an imaging technique that requires no preparation and, as it involves no radiation, is not harmful to health. A fine-needle sample can also be taken during the ultrasound if required, which is a great advantage.
That is why I always recommend having a neck ultrasound as part of annual check-ups.