Neck and Thyroid Ultrasound in Ljubljana

What is Neck and Thyroid Ultrasound?

Neck ultrasound is an accurate diagnostic examination that enables assessment of the thyroid, lymph nodes, salivary glands and other soft tissues of the neck.

With this non-invasive examination, the doctor detects:

Thyroid nodules – cysts, nodules, enlargements

Lymph nodes – enlarged lymph nodes

Hashimoto's – chronic thyroid inflammation (autoimmune thyroiditis)

Graves' disease – overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Salivary glands – inflammation, stones

Soft tissues – cysts, fatty lumps (lipomas)

When is neck ultrasound recommended?

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck — when to get an ultrasound

Lymph nodes in the neck often enlarge during upper respiratory infections or throat and dental inflammation, and usually shrink on their own within a few weeks. Neck ultrasound makes it possible to assess the size, shape, internal structure and blood flow of lymph nodes.

An examination is advisable when:

• a lymph node has been enlarged for more than 2–3 weeks or keeps growing,
• it is hard, painless or poorly mobile,
• the enlargement is accompanied by fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss,
• several lymph nodes are enlarged at the same time,
• you want to monitor a previously known enlarged lymph node.

Ultrasound describes the characteristics of lymph nodes. Further examinations are sometimes needed for a definitive assessment; the doctor will advise you when explaining the report.

How does the examination proceed?

Neck ultrasound is a completely painless and safe examination that takes approximately 15–30 minutes:

1. 1You lie on your back with your head slightly tilted back.
2. 2The doctor applies transparent gel to the neck.
3. 3The probe examines the thyroid, lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.
4. 4Images are displayed in real time on the screen.
5. 5After the examination, you receive the report and explanation.

Frequently asked questions