Ultrasound is a safe imaging tool used for diagnosing lumps or bumps under the skin in the neck. The use of medical ultrasound began in the United States in the early 1960’s.
More recently the smaller size and reduced cost of ultrasound machines has allowed more widespread office based use.
Now surgeons will frequently have an ultrasound in their clinics to aid in preoperative and postoperative care of their patients.
Before surgery is considered the ultrasound can be used to determine if there are any abnormalities. If there is something concerning a fine needle aspiration biopsy can be done.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) can be performed in the clinic usually at the same time as your initial visit. The skin is numbed with an anesthetic initially using a very small needle. Then a different needle is used to collect cells so that a pathologist can help with diagnosis of the area of concern.
During the biopsy you will feel pressure but no pain. A typical response after the biopsy is “wow that was not as bad as I thought it was going to be” or “that’s easier than going to the dentist”.
Conditions that may need a neck ultrasound:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Thyroid nodules
- Parathyroid adenomas
- Salivary gland masses
- Other areas of swelling in the neck