Ultrasound examination - neck ultrasound (thyroid, salivary, lymph. nodes)
An ultrasound of the thyroid is typically used to help diagnose:
- a lump in the thyroid
- a thyroid that is not functioning properly
If a problem is detected on ultrasound within the thyroid gland, it is not uncommon that the radiologist cannot distinguish between benign or malignant lump with complete certainty. A fine needle biopsy and review of tissue under a microscope is often necessary, while in some cases surveillance and a repeat sonogram after a few months looking for stability may suffice.
It is not possible to determine thyroid function—that is, whether the thyroid gland is underactive, overactive, or normal—with ultrasound. For that determination, your doctor may order a blood test or a radioactive iodine uptake test.
This ultrasound examination is usually completed within 15-20 minutes.
