A lump you can feel in your neck, an abnormal thyroid blood test, or a requisition that simply says “neck ultrasound” can raise a lot of questions quickly. The good news is that a neck ultrasound is one of the simplest imaging tests there is: no radiation, no needles, and usually no preparation. This guide explains what the test looks at, why doctors order it, how to get ready, and how to book a neck or thyroid ultrasound in Toronto at Annex Medical Imaging.

What Does a Neck Ultrasound Look At?

The neck holds several structures that doctors like to check with ultrasound because they sit close to the skin, which gives clear images. Annex lists three main reasons for a neck ultrasound on its ultrasound services page:

• The thyroid gland: the butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that helps regulate metabolism. Ultrasound shows its size, its texture and any lumps (nodules) or fluid-filled cysts.
• Lymph nodes: small immune-system glands along the sides and front of the neck. They can swell during infections, and your doctor may want to see whether they look typical.
• Carotid arteries: the main blood vessels carrying blood to your brain. Your doctor may order a scan if there is a concern about narrowing or blockage. You can read more about blood-flow scans in our guide to vascular ultrasound.

Why Would a Doctor Order a Neck or Thyroid Ultrasound?

Your doctor decides which test fits your situation, and the reason is always written on your requisition. Common reasons include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck that you or your doctor noticed
• An abnormal thyroid blood test, where your doctor wants to see the gland itself
• Follow-up of a thyroid nodule that was found earlier, to see whether it has changed
• Swollen lymph nodes that have not settled on their own
• A concern about the carotid arteries

Thyroid Nodules Are Common and Usually Harmless

If your scan is for a thyroid lump, it helps to know that nodules are very common. According to RadiologyInfo.org, which is run by the Radiological Society of North America and the American College of Radiology, ultrasound is sensitive enough to show many nodules that cannot be felt, and in some age groups they appear in as many as 70 percent of adults. Most of them are benign. The radiologist looks at features such as size, shape and internal makeup to decide which nodules just need monitoring and which may need a closer look, such as a biopsy.

Only your doctor can tell you what your own result means, so please avoid reading too much into the words on a report before you have talked it through with them.

How to Prepare for a Neck Ultrasound

Annex’s published preparation instructions ask for fasting or a full bladder only for abdominal, pelvic and kidney exams. A neck scan is not on that list, so you can usually eat, drink and take your medications as normal. A few simple steps will still make the visit smoother:

• Bring your requisition and Ontario health card. The clinic cannot do exams without a requisition.
• Wear a top that is easy to open at the collar, and leave necklaces and scarves at home.
• Tell the sonographer about any implants or medical devices you have.
• Call ahead if you are unsure. If your doctor gave you special instructions, follow those and let the front desk know.

What Happens During the Scan

1. You lie on your back. A small pillow or cushion may be placed under your shoulders so your neck is gently extended and easier to scan.
2. The sonographer applies a warm, water-based gel to your neck. The gel helps the handheld probe (transducer) make good contact with your skin.
3. The probe is moved slowly over the area while images appear on a screen. You may be asked to swallow, turn your head or hold still for a moment.
4. When the images are complete, the gel is wiped away and you can leave. There are normally no restrictions afterward, so you can carry on with your day.

Ultrasound exams generally take about 15 to 45 minutes depending on what is being examined, and a neck scan is often at the shorter end of that range.

What an Ultrasound Cannot Tell You

Ultrasound is excellent for showing structure, but it has limits. It cannot measure how well your thyroid is working, because that comes from blood tests. It also cannot give a definite cancer diagnosis on its own. If a nodule looks unusual, your doctor may order more tests, and that is a normal part of the process rather than a sign that something is wrong.

Getting Your Results

A radiologist reviews your images and sends a report to the doctor who ordered the scan. Annex notes that reports usually reach your doctor within 3 to 5 business days, and that urgent reports requested by your physician are faxed within 24 hours. Your doctor will then go over the findings with you and explain any next steps.

Booking Your Neck Ultrasound in Toronto

Annex Medical Imaging is at 800 Bathurst St, Unit 304 (3rd floor), directly across from Bathurst subway station. We are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ultrasound walk-ins are accepted when a spot is available, so please call (416) 531-1128 first. You can email or fax your requisition to reception@annexmedicalimaging.com or 416-531-1127. For travel tips, see our guide to getting to Annex Medical Imaging near Bathurst Station.

Related Reading

• What Is Vascular Ultrasound?
• Abdominal ultrasound and preparation
• Do You Need a Referral for an X-Ray, Ultrasound, or Mammogram in Toronto?
• Walk-In Diagnostic Imaging in Toronto: How It Works at Annex Medical Imaging
• Ultrasound vs. X-Ray vs. Mammogram: Which Imaging Test Do You Actually Need?
• Ultrasound Preparation in Toronto: Fasting, Full Bladder and What to Do for Each Exam
• When Will I Get My X-Ray or Ultrasound Results? What Happens After Your Scan

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before a thyroid or neck ultrasound?

In most cases no. Annex’s fasting and full-bladder instructions apply to abdominal, pelvic and kidney scans. If your doctor gave you different instructions, follow them and call us at (416) 531-1128 if you have questions.

Does a neck ultrasound hurt?

No. You may feel light pressure from the probe and the gel may feel slightly cool, but the scan is painless.

Is a neck ultrasound safe?

Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. It is considered very safe when performed by trained professionals.

Do I need a requisition for a neck ultrasound?

Yes. Annex cannot perform exams without a requisition from your doctor or another eligible provider. Read more in our guide to requisitions for X-ray, ultrasound and mammogram.

Can I walk in for a neck ultrasound?

Ultrasound walk-ins are accepted when there is an open spot, so it is best to call first. That way we can tell you the best time to come and you spend less time waiting.

Will I get my results at the clinic?

No. The radiologist’s report goes to the doctor who ordered the scan, and your doctor will discuss it with you.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your health care provider about your personal situation and follow the instructions on your requisition.