Thyroid ultrasound: The thyroid is a gland that exists in the lower middle part of the neck which can be seen with ultrasound. But the thyroid is not the only thing in the neck that can be seen with ultrasound.

Neck ultrasound: So if your healthcare provider orders a neck ultrasound but isn’t needing the thyroid examined then what else would they be looking for? The most common thing to be evaluated when a ‘neck ultrasound’ is ordered is looking at the lymph nodes in your neck.

Lymph nodes are little structures in your neck that are a part of your body’s immune system. A number of things can cause your lymph nodes to grow in size which can sometimes allow you to feel them under the skin. This may lead you to seek the advice of a healthcare provider who may order an ultrasound to verify what the lump you’re feeling is. Another common reason to look at lymph nodes is if you have thyroid nodules and your healthcare provider is questioning if one of them could be malignant (cancer). A primary area thyroid cancer can spread is to lymph nodes in your neck.