An ultrasound uses ultrasonic sound waves that travel through soft tissue and fluids to produce images of structures within the body.
Doctors use ultrasounds to show blood vessels, organs, and lymph nodes all over the body. Ultrasound imaging can help to diagnose head and neck cancers and learn more about the size and features of existing tumors.
What to Expect from an Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are completely safe and do not hurt. During an ultrasound, a technician or a radiologist will place ultrasound gel over the area being examined. They will then move a plastic probe around the area through the gel. This probe produces the sound waves and takes pictures.
The images will show up on a computer screen in real-time and the technician will likely move the probe around at different angles in order to get enough images of all the relevant structures. The time it takes to complete the exam varies, but it can take usually between 15 and 30 minutes.
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Advantages of an Ultrasound
- Does not use any radiation, so they are completely safe.
- Does not cause pain or discomfort.
- The technician can see the images while performing the test and can focus on areas of concern.
- Help doctors locate cells for a biopsy (known as an ultrasound-guided biopsy) that they can later examine under the microscope.
Disadvantages of an Ultrasound
- Cannot provide a visual of areas hidden behind bone.
- Not commonly used for visualizing head and neck cancers other than thyroid cancer.
