Ultrasound

Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the body. You might have an ultrasound scan to see if the cancer cells have spread into lymph nodes close to your larynx. 

Preparing for your scan

Check your appointment letter for any instructions about how to prepare for your scan.

You might need to not eat for 6 hours beforehand. Let the scan team know if this will be a problem for any reason, for example if you are diabetic.

Take your medicines as normal unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

How you have it

The ultrasound scanner has a microphone that gives off sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the organs inside your body, and the microphone picks them up. The microphone links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen.

What happens

Before the scan

When you arrive at the clinic a staff member might ask you to take off your upper clothing and put on a hospital gown. You lie on a couch for the test.

During the scan

The sonographer puts a cold lubricating gel over the area. Then they gently rub the handheld probe over your skin. The gel helps the probe to slide over your skin so that the sonographer gets clear pictures on the screen.

You might feel a little pressure when the sonographer moves the probe over the area they want to view. Tell them if it is uncomfortable.

An ultrasound can take up to 45 minutes. The sonographer might ask you to move position a few times, so they can get the clearest pictures.

You can have a family member or a friend with you while you have the scan. Just let the sonographer know that someone will be with you.

Possible risks

An ultrasound scan is a very safe procedure. It doesn’t involve radiation and there are usually no side effects.

Getting your results

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks at a follow up appointment.

Waiting for test results can be a worrying time. You can contact your specialist nurse if you’re finding it hard to cope. It can also help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.

Contact the doctor that arranged the test if you haven't heard anything after a couple of weeks.