What is a Thyroid Gland Scan?
The neck and thyroid ultrasound scan is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic imaging technique.
Swelling in the neck and non-proper function of the thyroid are the most common reasons for having a thyroid & neck ultrasound diagnostic examination. This scan includes a comprehensive ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland and adjacent structures to diagnose suspected neck lesions.
Why I might need
this scan?
- Evidence of overactivity or abnormally low activity of the thyroid, thyroid disease
- Activity of the thyroid, thyroid disease, Abnormal thyroid function blood test results
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Goitre and abnormal swelling in the neck
- Evaluation of new or known thyroid nodules and their appearance
- Neck pain and Discomfort
- To determine the nature of lumps on the neck
- Swollen salivary glands
- To find evidence of lymphadenopathy
- Follow up on previous findings such as enlarged lump, reactive lymph node or thyroid malfunction
- A palpable enlarged lump that can be an enlarged lymph node, thyroid tumour, thyroid cyst or thyroid cancer
What to expect
during the scan?
You will be asked to lie down and your neck extended backwards over a cushion and our highly qualified and experienced sonographer will use an ultrasound probe lubricated with warm ultrasound gel to scan the thyroid gland and its surrounding areas to obtain diagnostic images necessary for the examination.
How to
prepare?
Apart from removing all jewellery from your neck, there is no essential preparation for this scan. Please inform the specialist if you have neck arthritis.
What do I get with
this scan?
A radiologist’s written report of the findings will be provided to your referring practitioner, with images where necessary, to demonstrate abnormal findings.
