Superficial mass ultrasound of head and neck region

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by MSc, BS. Dang Manh Cuong - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. The doctor has over 18 years of experience in the field of ultrasound - diagnostic imaging.
Head and neck soft ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to examine organs and parts inside the neck region. The neck area is surrounded by important organs such as larynx, thyroid gland, salivary glands, cervical lymph nodes, tonsils...so head and neck ultrasound helps detect many abnormalities in this area.

1. Overview

Head and neck ultrasound has the same principle of implementation as other ultrasound techniques. The doctor will apply a specialized gel to the area to be examined, then move the transducer to emit high-frequency ultrasound waves into the internal organs. When encountering obstacles, these waves are reflected and displayed into a clear image on the screen. Thus, head and neck ultrasound helps accurately reflect lesions or abnormalities inside the pharynx, identifying head and neck tumors (if any).
Advantages of head and neck ultrasound:
The ultrasound procedure is simple and easy to perform. Safe for users. Low cost of ultrasound. Diagnostic results are relatively accurate in detecting some diseases. For dangerous and complicated diseases of the neck, it is necessary to combine soft head and neck ultrasound with other diagnostic tests and tests such as: X-ray, head and neck MRI, blood tests, biopsy sampling. head and neck tumor, neck endoscopy...

2. The role of head and neck ultrasound

Head and neck ultrasound can help detect a number of diseases in the neck region and investigate other problems in this area, specifically:
Assessment of lymph node status: size, lymph node surface, lymph node enlargement, Examine the internal structure of the lymph node. When a lymph node is insidious, diffuse, or localized, pain or no pain may be associated with a local infection. Check thyroid status: size, identify thyroid lesions, monitor the appearance of thyroid nodules (if any), assess the progression of thyroid disease... Assess function larynx: check for any tumors or lesions. Detecting salivary gland diseases: eg, parotid gland inflammation, parotid gland cancer... Early identification of head and neck tumors, combined with recording the density of the tumor, the degree of adhesions tight or move relative to adjacent tissues...

3. In case of appointment of ultrasound

If you suspect that you are suffering from neck diseases, you should quickly see a doctor to perform a head and neck ultrasound in combination with other examination, diagnostic or laboratory techniques. Head and neck soft ultrasound will usually be indicated in the following cases:
Seeing enlarged neck: can signal thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer, goiter, benign thyroid nodules... Therefore, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the head and neck to accurately diagnose the type and condition of the disease. Pain when swallowing saliva, may signal inflammation of the salivary glands. Pain when talking or voice changes: may be due to damage to the vocal cords. The size, color, and sensation of the cervical lymph nodes change. Because lymph nodes are one of the important organs that signal a local or systemic disease, if you see a swollen, painful, red or purple lymph node, you need to see a doctor quickly. Ear - nose - throat disorders: These are 3 organs that are closely related to each other, so when a medical condition occurs in one organ, it can also affect the other organs. Therefore, if you feel abnormal in the ear, nose and throat, you can check it with an ultrasound of the throat.

4. Notes on ultrasound of head and neck software

Head and neck ultrasound is an imaging technique that is quite safe, easy to perform and has almost no dangerous complications. Patients can rest assured when performing a head and neck soft ultrasound whenever there is a need for a general examination or unusual symptoms are found.
In addition, when performing a head and neck ultrasound, the patient should also note:
It is not mandatory to fast when performing a throat ultrasound. You should talk to your doctor about drug allergies (if any) in advance to facilitate prescribing after ultrasound. Absolutely follow the doctor's instructions and immediately notify the doctor if there are abnormalities after performing an ultrasound of the head and neck. Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility in Vietnam with a team of highly qualified medical professionals, well-trained, domestic and foreign, and experienced.
A system of modern and advanced medical equipment, possessing many of the best machines in the world, helping to detect many difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of doctors the most effective. The hospital space is designed according to 5-star hotel standards, giving patients comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
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