Private Neck Ultrasound

A neck ultrasound examines abnormalities in the neck area, such as cysts, nodules, and tumours.

If you or your doctor have detected a lump in your neck, you feel continuous pain and discomfort around your neck, or another test (such as a blood test) has flagged a thyroid problem, you may need a neck ultrasound.

Please do not delay or leave your health to chance – the sooner you get answers, the sooner you can take action.

Better yet, ultrasounds are quick, pain-free, non-invasive procedures, and at Harley Street Ultrasound, you get your results the same day as your appointment.

Whether you are experiencing neck lumps, a neck mass, a neck cyst, or neck swelling, you may need an ultrasound to get an accurate diagnosis.

The neck contains numerous complex structures, and it’s not always easy to make a diagnosis on a physical assessment alone.

Here is an overview of what may be causing lumps and nodules in your neck, when it’s a good idea to see a doctor, and what ultrasounds involve.

Neck lumps can come from various places, but they often originate from:

• Thyroid gland
• Trachea (windpipe)
• Larynx (voice box)
• Neck muscles
• Arteries and veins running down the neck
• Salivary glands

Some causes of neck lumps are more common than others. Common causes of neck lumps include:

• Viruses and infections, including mumps, which lead to swollen glands
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Stone in the salivary duct
• Lipomas
• Benign cysts
• Bacterial infections such as tonsillitis

Although most neck lumps are caused by conditions like the above, some less common causes of neck lumps include:

• Leukaemia
• Thyroid cancer
• Cancers of tissues in the head and neck area
• Cancers of nearby organs, including the breasts, lungs, and throat
• Some types of skin cancer
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infections associated with long-term conditions such as HIV

Since there are multiple causes for neck lumps and neck swelling, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you notice

• Trouble breathing
• A hoarse voice or trouble speaking
• An intensely sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Skin changes in the surrounding area
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fever

The treatment options for neck lumps vary, depending on the cause. Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy or radiation for cancerous causes
• Observation or a period of watchful waiting to see if your condition improves on its own – this is especially helpful if you have no pain and it’s a benign cause

Since the neck is so complicated, however, you may need an ultrasound before your doctor can give you the right diagnosis.

No. Neck ultrasounds are painless, non-invasive procedures that require no downtime. You can return to work and other duties immediately following your appointment.

You will have to position your head in a backward tilt, using a pillow for support.

This may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t cause pain. However, if you experience pain at any stage during your neck scan, please let our neck specialist know.

We are dedicated to ensuring your experience is comfortable and stress-free.

If it’s your first time, it’s perfectly natural to feel a little anxious about your neck scan.

The good news is, there’s nothing to fear. Your comfort is our number one priority, and we are here to ease your concerns and give you a positive experience.

First, our neck specialist will ask you to remove any jewellery, clothing, or accessory blocking access to your neck or throat.

Then, they will position a pillow under the back of your neck so your head tilts backwards and your throat is exposed.

You may feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Sometimes, you may be able to sit upright during your ultrasound.

Then, our qualified doctor will apply a cool gel to your throat – this allows the ultrasound probe, called a transducer, to guide over your throat with ease.

It may feel cold, but your skin will soon warm the gel.

Next, the specialist will move the transducer over the area of your thyroid. Again, you shouldn’t feel any pain, but please let the doctor know right away if you do.

During this stage, you will see images on a screen. These images give our specialist and your doctor a clear view of your neck and any abnormalities.

When the specialist has all the images they need, you will be given a tissue to wipe away the gel and privacy to dress if necessary. Your results will be available the same day as your appointment.

No significant preparation is required for this test. 

There is no particular type of care required after a Neck Ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.

But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.