Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound Scan
Price: £219
A thyroid ultrasound scan is a safe, painless test that uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland in the neck. It helps detect nodules, cysts, goitre, and thyroid cancer. At London Private Ultrasound, we provide same-day appointments, advanced high-resolution imaging, and instant results with a detailed report from GMC- and HCPC-registered specialists.
Thyroid ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for investigating thyroid disorders.
- When it’s recommended: swelling or lump in the neck, abnormal thyroid function tests, family history of thyroid disease, or symptoms of overactive/underactive thyroid.
- What it detects: thyroid nodules, goitre, cysts, autoimmune thyroiditis (e.g., Hashimoto’s disease), and suspicious features suggesting thyroid cancer.
- Advantages: non-invasive, no radiation, safe for all ages, provides real-time imaging for biopsy guidance if needed.
Why choose London Private Ultrasound?
- GMC & HCPC registered thyroid imaging specialists.
- CQC registered clinic with advanced ultrasound technology.
- 7-day availability with same-day appointments and reports.
- Transparent pricing: £197.
- Trusted by major insurers and recognised for diagnostic accuracy.
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If you are unable to make a payment online, please call our office to book your appointment. We’re here to assist you!
Tel: 020 7101 3377
🌟 Why Have a Thyroid & Neck Scan?
✔️ Investigate a lump or swelling in the neck
✔️ Monitor known thyroid nodules or goitre
✔️ Check thyroid function-related concerns (e.g., hyper/hypothyroidism)
✔️ Follow-up after abnormal blood tests (e.g., TSH, T4)
✔️ Assess enlarged lymph nodes or salivary gland issues
✔️ Screen for thyroid cancer in high-risk individuals
⚠️ Possible Symptoms:
- Neck swelling or visible lump
- Difficulty swallowing or tightness in the throat
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Enlarged thyroid or goitre
- Unexplained weight changes, anxiety, fatigue
- Family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer
Thyroid Ultrasound – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A thyroid ultrasound is usually recommended if:
- You have a lump, swelling, or goitre in your neck.
- Your doctor feels a nodule during an examination.
- You have abnormal thyroid blood test results.
- You experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or unexplained changes in weight or energy.
It is also used to monitor known thyroid nodules or cysts over time.
Ultrasound can detect abnormalities in the thyroid, such as nodules, cysts, or irregular tissue. Certain ultrasound features may raise suspicion of thyroid cancer (for example, solid nodules, irregular borders, or increased blood flow). However, ultrasound alone cannot confirm cancer. If a suspicious nodule is seen, your doctor may recommend a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for diagnosis.
- Thyroid ultrasound looks at the structure of the gland. It shows the size, shape, and presence of nodules or cysts.
- Blood tests check the function of the thyroid, measuring hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4) and sometimes antibodies.
In many cases, both tests are used together for a full assessment of thyroid health.
No special preparation is required for a thyroid ultrasound. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications before the scan. Simply wear comfortable clothing, ideally with an open-neck shirt or a top that can be easily adjusted to expose your neck.
A thyroid ultrasound usually takes 15–20 minutes. The results are typically available the same day, often immediately after the scan. Your doctor or referring clinician will review the findings with you and advise if further tests or treatment are needed.
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Private Neck & Thyroid Ultrasound in London
Same-day neck ultrasound and thyroid ultrasound in London, including Harley Street. Fast access to expert sonographers and consultants for lumps in the neck or throat, thyroid nodules, goitre, swollen lymph nodes and neck pain. Self-referral accepted. Digital report and images supplied.
Private Neck Ultrasound & Thyroid Ultrasound (London)
Ultrasound of the neck is a safe, radiation-free test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the thyroid gland, salivary glands, lymph nodes, vessels, and other soft tissues. A focused thyroid ultrasound targets the thyroid and adjacent structures to assess nodules, cysts, goitre, and post-treatment change.
- Locations: Central London (including Harley Street/W1), North London & Hertfordshire satellite sites.
- Appointments: Often available the same day; referrals welcome but not mandatory.
- Reports: Clear neck ultrasound report with thyroid ultrasound images, usually the same day.
What can a neck or thyroid ultrasound detect?
Thyroid ultrasound
- Thyroid nodules (solid, cystic, or mixed), size and characteristics
- Goitre (diffuse enlargement), thyroiditis patterns
- Suspicious features that may require FNA biopsy (per ACR TI-RADS/BTA guidance)
- Post-operative surveillance and radio-iodine therapy follow-up
General neck ultrasound
- Neck lumps—localisation (skin, salivary gland, lymph node, vascular, muscular)
- Lymph nodes—size, morphology, hilum and vascular pattern (reactive vs suspicious)
- Salivary glands (parotid/submandibular)—sialadenitis, stones, masses
- Vessels—optional carotid Doppler (stenosis screening), if requested
Ultrasound cannot see inside the windpipe or oesophagus and does not replace endoscopy. If the sonographer finds features needing further assessment, we’ll advise on blood tests, ultrasound-guided FNA (fine needle aspiration), MRI/CT or ENT review.
Who should consider a neck / thyroid scan?
- New or persistent lump in the neck or throat
- Thyroid function abnormalities with palpable enlargement or nodules
- Hoarseness, swallowing discomfort, or neck swelling (non-urgent)
- Follow-up of known thyroid nodules or goitre
- Assessment of swollen neck lymph nodes after infection if they persist
- Salivary gland pain, swelling, or suspected stones
Preparation
- No fasting required for a standard neck or thyroid ultrasound.
- Wear a loose top with easy access to the neck; remove necklaces.
- Bring prior ultrasound/CT/MRI reports and relevant thyroid blood tests (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies) if available.
How the scan is done
- You lie on the couch with your neck slightly extended; a small cushion may be used.
- Warm gel is applied; the sonographer moves a handheld probe over the thyroid, salivary glands, and lymph node levels on both sides of the neck.
- Colour Doppler is used as needed to assess blood flow.
- Duration: typically 15–25 minutes; a combined neck and thyroid ultrasound may take slightly longer.
Results & next steps
- You will receive a written ultrasound report and annotated images—usually on the same day.
- If a thyroid nodule meets criteria for FNA biopsy, we explain options and, if appropriate, can arrange ultrasound-guided aspiration/biopsy.
- Where relevant we advise on thyroid blood tests, endocrine or ENT referral, or cross-sectional imaging.
Neck ultrasound vs thyroid ultrasound
| Scan type | Primary focus | Also includes |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid ultrasound | Thyroid gland (lobes & isthmus), nodules, goitre, TI-RADS features | Targeted check of central/lower neck nodes if indicated |
| Neck ultrasound | Lumps/masses anywhere in the neck; lymph nodes; salivary glands; soft tissues | Optional carotid Doppler if requested |
Private neck ultrasound near me (London & St Albans)
We scan patients from across London, including Harley Street (W1), West End, City, North London & Hertfordshire. Use the button below to see our latest availability.
Book a private neck or thyroid ultrasound
For directions to Harley Street (e.g., 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN), please see your appointment confirmation.
FAQs
What is a neck ultrasound?
A non-invasive scan of the soft tissues of the neck—including lymph nodes, salivary glands, thyroid margin and surrounding structures—performed with high-frequency ultrasound and Doppler where needed.
What is a thyroid ultrasound?
A focused examination of the thyroid gland to measure its size, detect thyroid nodules or cysts, and characterise features that guide whether fine-needle aspiration is recommended.
Do I need to fast?
No. Neck and thyroid ultrasounds do not require fasting or special preparation.
How long does a neck or thyroid ultrasound take?
Most scans take 15–25 minutes. Allow extra time for consultation and reporting.
What can a neck ultrasound show?
Common findings include reactive lymph nodes after infection, benign thyroid nodules, cysts, goitre, salivary gland stones/inflammation, and—less commonly—suspicious masses that require further tests.
Will I get the results straight away?
We normally provide a same-day written report with images. If further tests are advised, we will explain the options.
How much does a private neck or thyroid ultrasound cost?
Prices vary by scan type (neck, thyroid, combined, with/without carotid Doppler). Contact us for current pricing and package options.
Can ultrasound detect thyroid or throat cancer?
Ultrasound can identify suspicious features and abnormal lymph nodes, helping to triage for biopsy or further imaging. A definitive diagnosis requires tissue sampling (e.g., FNA) and pathology.
