A head and neck ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live, internal pictures of the body’s structures. The main purpose is to visualize and assess the soft tissues, glands, and major blood vessels located within the head and neck region. Unlike other imaging modalities, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, making it a very safe method for viewing anatomy in real-time.
Preparing for the Examination
Patients should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the neck area. High collars, turtlenecks, or neckties should be avoided, as they can obstruct contact with the skin.
Remove all jewelry from the neck and ears, including necklaces and dangling earrings, before the scan begins. Avoid applying lotions, oils, or makeup to the neck, as these products interfere with the acoustic gel. Unless instructed otherwise by the referring physician, there are no restrictions on eating, drinking, or taking routine medications. Plan to arrive early to complete any necessary registration before the scheduled scan time.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The head and neck ultrasound procedure is performed by a trained professional known as a sonographer. The patient is positioned lying on their back on an examination table, called the supine position. A small cushion may be placed beneath the shoulders to gently extend the neck back, which helps expose the area being scanned.
A clear, water-based gel is applied generously to the skin of the neck. This gel eliminates tiny air pockets between the patient’s skin and the transducer, ensuring maximum transmission of the high-frequency sound waves. The sonographer then presses a small, handheld device called a transducer, or probe, against the skin and moves it across the area of interest.
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves into the body, which bounce back as echoes when they encounter different tissues and structures. These returning echoes are captured by the transducer and relayed to the ultrasound machine. The machine’s computer processes these signals and converts them into a dynamic, two-dimensional image that appears in real-time on a monitor. The sonographer systematically scans specific regions, including the thyroid and parathyroid glands, major salivary glands, and lymph nodes.
Color or power Doppler technology may be used to evaluate blood flow within the carotid arteries or other vessels, which helps to identify any narrowing or blockages. The sonographer applies gentle pressure with the probe and may ask the patient to turn their head slightly or hold their breath briefly for clearer views. A complete head and neck ultrasound typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes.
Understanding the Results and Follow-Up
Immediately after the imaging process is complete, the sonographer cleans the gel from the patient’s neck, and the patient is free to resume their normal activities. The sonographer’s role is primarily to acquire high-quality images and measurements, not to provide a diagnosis to the patient. The captured images are then sent electronically to a specialist physician, usually a board-certified radiologist.
The specialist analyzes the complete set of images, noting the size, shape, and characteristics of any visible structures or anomalies. The radiologist compiles a formal, detailed report summarizing the findings and sends this document to the doctor who originally ordered the ultrasound. The report is often available to the ordering physician within 24 to 72 hours.
The patient should schedule a follow-up appointment with their referring physician to discuss the results. If the ultrasound reveals no concerning findings, the physician may recommend routine monitoring. If an abnormality is detected, such as a cyst or a suspicious nodule, the physician may recommend further action, which could include a follow-up ultrasound, a referral to another specialist, or an ultrasound-guided biopsy.