Ultra Sound (USG): Neck (GENERAL)

Specimen Required

NONE

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

The test is used to evaluate the size, shape, texture, and location of the neck’s structures and to detect any abnormalities, such as enlarged lymph nodes, cysts, nodules, or tumors. It can also be used to monitor the growth of a known thyroid nodule or to investigate the cause of neck pain or discomfort.

When this test is required

The test is often requested by a doctor or a healthcare provider to investigate symptoms such as neck pain, swelling, or lumps, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes. It can also be performed as a routine screening test for patients with a family history of thyroid disease, or as a follow-up test for patients with a previously diagnosed thyroid nodule or thyroid cancer.

What the Test Detects

Ultrasound (USG) of the neck is a medical imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the neck area. The neck area includes the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and blood vessels.

Preparation for the Test

There is generally no special preparation needed for USG of the neck. However, depending on the area being evaluated, the healthcare provider may request that the patient avoid applying creams, lotions, or other substances to the area before the test.

Sample Requirements

No sample is required for USG of the neck. During the test, the patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie down on a table. A warm gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined, and a handheld device called a transducer is passed over the neck. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the neck’s tissues and produce images on a computer screen.

Additional Notes

It is important to note that USG of the neck is not a definitive diagnostic test, and further evaluation or additional imaging studies may be necessary based on the findings of the test. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results of the test with you and recommend further testing or treatment if necessary.. USG of the neck is a non-invasive and safe procedure, which does not use ionizing radiation. During the test, a small handheld device called a transducer is moved over the neck area, and the sound waves bounce back to create real-time images of the internal structures of the neck. The test is painless, and it usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

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