Your doctor has requested a thyroid ultrasound. The most common indication for an ultrasound of your neck is a palpable neck mass. When a mass is found in the neck, the origin may not be obvious from a clinical examination; therefore, an ultrasound study is necessary to determine the origin and make-up (solid or water-filled mass) of the neck mass. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.
There is no preparation required for this exam.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Upon arrival, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be asked to lie on the examination table with a pillow or bolster under your shoulders and your head extended back.
A warm gel will be applied to your neck (the gel is very similar to hair styling gel). The gel helps the soundwaves to get from the machine to your body more easily.
A transducer, a small microphone-like device, is placed over your neck. There is no pain involved; however, you may feel mild pressure from the transducer.
Soundwaves pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer.
A television monitor shows images of your neck as the probe converts the echoes to electrical signals. These moving images can be viewed immediately, recorded, and/or photographed for physician review. Occasionally, additional images may be needed following review by an imaging physician.
Your procedure will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
There are no post-examination instructions.
Your study will be read by the imaging physician and results sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.
Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
