Neck ultrasound with elastography

When is ultrasound of the neck with elastography performed? 

Neck ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive imaging study that helps detect pathological changes (e.g. inflammation, nodules, cysts) in the thyroid, larynx, salivary glands and lymph nodes.

Indications for the examination include:

• persistent enlargement of lymph nodes,
• suspected abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland, 
• persistent pain in the neck area. 

Ultrasound with elastography - what does it mean?

 Ultrasound with elastography is a modern diagnostic method that allows assessment of the elasticity of the internal tissues of the body during ultrasound. This is because it is worth knowing that tissues altered by disease in many cases have a different cohesiveness (hardness, elasticity) than healthy tissues. Thus, ultrasound with elastography allows to obtain more data than classic ultrasound, which proceeds without assessing the elasticity of tissues. 

Course of ultrasound of the neck

Modern ultrasound machines with elastography function are used to perform the examination. From the patient's perspective, ultrasound with elastography does not differ significantly from classic ultrasound. The doctor performing the examination applies the gel-coated head of the camera to the examined area and evaluates the image appearing on the monitor. The examination takes several to several minutes and does not cause pain.