What is the use of neck ultrasound?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Luu Thi Bich Ngoc - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital. The doctor has 06 years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging.
Neck ultrasound is a modern imaging method that uses ultrasound waves to evaluate the internal organs and parts of the neck. It is a safe, non-invasive, and easy to perform diagnostic test. Neck ultrasound is used to diagnose problems in the neck area.

1. What is a neck ultrasound?

Neck ultrasound is a technique that uses ultrasound waves to create images of organs and organs inside the neck area. The neck region includes important organs including:
Thyroid gland Salivary gland Deep neck lymph nodes Cervical esophagus Muscular and soft tissue organization of neck jugular arteriovenous system An ultrasound of the neck is performed with a transducer of the neck. The device moves on the neck area through a specialized gel layer. Sound waves are emitted at the ultrasound transducer and enter the internal organs. When encountering obstacles, these waves are reflected and clearly displayed on the ultrasound image. Therefore, ultrasound reflects relatively accurately the lesions or abnormalities within the neck region.
Neck ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method, safe to use and easy to perform. Moreover, the cost for the reasonable service gives relatively accurate results in the diagnosis and detection of some diseases. However, in some cases, it is necessary to do some other paraclinical measures such as: X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopy, blood test, biopsy sample,... to correctly identify and diagnose the disease.

2. What is the use of neck ultrasound?

Ultrasound of the neck can detect abnormalities in the neck area or some diseases here. Some of the effects of cervical ultrasound include:
Evaluation of thyroid status: Regarding the size and appearance of thyroid nodules, checking to detect lesions in the thyroid gland, monitoring and evaluating levels the progression of thyroid disease,... Checking and evaluating lymph nodes: Assessing the size, surface of the lymph nodes, checking the proliferation of lymph nodes, the internal structure of the lymph nodes. Examination of the lymph nodes is very important in the diagnosis, because lymph node changes are often noticeable diseases, requiring further testing to detect disease more accurately. Detecting diseases in the salivary glands: inflammation of the salivary glands,... Observing the wall of the esophagus in the neck. Evaluation of muscle organization and software Assessing the jugular arteriovenous system for stenosis/obstruction due to thrombosis In addition, neck ultrasound technique can suggest and guide the detection of nasopharyngeal cancer. pharynx, through changes in the abnormalities of the cervical lymph nodes and soft tissues around the neck. In order to have accurate results about this disease, the doctor must appoint to perform other diagnostic techniques such as: otolaryngoscopy, biopsy, computed tomography, ...

3. When to do a neck ultrasound?

In cases where there is a suspicion of diseases in the neck region, it is advisable to go to medical facilities to be examined and perform ultrasound and other diagnostic techniques. Neck ultrasound is often indicated in the following cases:
Neck lymph nodes change in size, color, and sensation: Neck lymph nodes are an important organ in reflecting local and global pathologies. Dear. Enlarged neck area: This can be a sign of thyroid diseases such as thyroid cancer, benign thyroid nodules, goiter, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound to accurately diagnose the disease. Pain when swallowing saliva: may have inflammation of the salivary glands. Pain when talking or voice changes: Damage to the vocal cords often causes pain when talking or changes in voice. Ear, nose and throat disorders: Ears, nose and throat are closely related organs, when the disease occurs in the throat, it can affect the ears and nose. In patients with a history of smoking, increase blood pressure to evaluate the carotid system for stenosis/occlusion.

4. What should be noted before doing an ultrasound of the neck area?

Ultrasound is one of the very gentle, minimally invasive testing procedures in medicine, so you don't need to be too stressed before the ultrasound. However, until the ultrasound process achieves the best results, we should still prioritize a healthy diet first.
Before performing an ultrasound of the throat, the patient does not need to fast before the throat ultrasound. However, you need to abstain from:
Alcoholic, carbonated or colored beverages. In addition, stimulants such as tobacco also need to be temporarily isolated. Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold to damage the throat. High-salt or fermented foods are also extremely bad for the throat in the time before the ultrasound.

In summary, neck ultrasound is a modern imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to create images of organs and internal organs in the neck. This is a safe, non-invasive, easy-to-implement diagnostic method that gives relatively accurate results at a low cost. Neck ultrasound can detect neck abnormalities and some diseases of the thyroid gland, salivary gland, muscle-software, lymph nodes, carotid artery/vein... When there are abnormalities in the neck area If you suspect you have a medical condition, you should go to a medical facility to be examined, the doctor will prescribe some appropriate paraclinical measures to accurately diagnose the acquired condition.
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