Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound
Assessment of thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and lumps of the face and neck by Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish, an ENT specialist, with ultrasound when indicated, to plan treatment at the clinic or surgery at a hospital by Dr. Poj
Medically reviewed by a board-certified ENT specialist
- Author:
- Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish — Otolaryngologist · Thai Board of Otolaryngology
- Medical reviewer:
- Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish — Otolaryngologist · Thai Board of Otolaryngology
- Reviewed on:
- Last updated:
- Estimated reading time: 6 min
Overview
What is thyroid and neck ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal structures, without radiation. At RAJVITHI CLINIC, Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish, an ENT specialist, uses ultrasound together with your history and examination when indicated, to assess thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and lumps of the face or neck that are suitable for this test.
The scan helps show the size, location, and features of a lump within the reach of ultrasound. The findings support Dr. Poj’s explanation and care plan. Ultrasound alone cannot confirm or exclude cancer.
Not every lump or location is suitable for ultrasound. Dr. Poj examines you first and decides whether to use ultrasound, observe the lump, arrange further tests, treat you at the clinic, or plan surgery at a hospital when indicated.
What can be assessed
Which lumps can be assessed?
The front of the neck or the thyroid area
The side of the neck or lymph nodes
Under the chin and under the jaw
In front of the ear, below the ear, or the salivary gland area
Some lumps under the skin of the face and neck
The doctor first assesses whether the location and features of the lump are suitable for ultrasound or whether another test is needed.
Symptoms
Symptoms you may notice
A thyroid, salivary, or neck lump may cause no symptoms, or you may notice the following. These symptoms do not mean that every location can be examined with ultrasound.
A lump felt at the front of the neck or over the thyroid
A lump at the side of the neck, or enlarged lymph nodes
A lump under the chin or under the jaw
A lump in front of the ear, below the ear, or over a salivary gland
A lump under the skin of the face or neck
Visible neck swelling without pain
Discomfort or tenderness over a lump (in some cases)
Hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or breathing difficulty when a lump is large
Symptoms related to an overactive or underactive thyroid (in some cases)
No symptoms — a lump found during a medical examination
Possible causes
Causes of lumps on the face and neck
These lumps have many possible causes. Ultrasound supports assessment only for suitable locations, and it does not identify every type of lump.
Thyroid nodules
Cysts, solid nodules, or thyroid inflammation. Most are not cancer, but assessment is important.
Enlarged lymph nodes
May relate to infection, inflammation, or other conditions in the neck, depending on appearance and symptoms.
Salivary gland lumps
Lumps in front of the ear, below the ear, under the chin, or under the jaw may relate to a salivary gland. The doctor checks whether that location is suitable for ultrasound.
Some lumps under the skin
Some superficial lumps on the face or neck may be assessed with ultrasound. This does not apply to every lump under the skin.
Infection or inflammation
Such as thyroiditis or lymph node inflammation, sometimes with pain, swelling, or fever.
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which can affect thyroid size and texture.
When to seek assessment
When to see Dr. Poj
You can arrange an assessment with Dr. Poj if you have any of the following:
A new lump in the neck, under the chin, under the jaw, in front of the ear, or below the ear
A lump that grows quickly over a short time
Worsening hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or breathing difficulty
Persistent pain or tenderness over a lump
Previous neck radiation or a family history of thyroid disease
Earlier test results that you would like Dr. Poj to review when planning care
How the visit works
What happens at the clinic
The sequence of care when a lump of the face or neck is assessed
Meet Dr. Poj
The visit starts with Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish, an ENT specialist, who assesses the lump you have come to discuss.
History and examination
He asks about your symptoms and medical history, and examines the face, neck, and related ear, nose, and throat areas.
Ultrasound when indicated
Ultrasound is performed when the location and features of the lump are suitable. Not every lump or location is scanned.
Explanation of the findings
Dr. Poj explains what was found, together with your history and examination. No separate formal ultrasound report is issued.
Treatment, follow-up, or further tests
Care may mean treatment or follow-up at the clinic, FNA, or further tests as appropriate. Not every lump needs sampling or surgery. When surgery is indicated, Dr. Poj assesses and plans the operation at a hospital.
Ultrasound helps show the features of a lump, but it cannot confirm or exclude cancer on its own. Needle sampling or surgery is considered individually, and only when indicated.
Treatment
Management options
Care depends on the type and size of the lump and on what the assessment shows. Not every lump needs sampling or surgery.
Monitoring
Stable lumps with reassuring features may be followed with repeat examination or imaging at intervals set by your doctor.
Thyroid condition treatment
If thyroid function is abnormal, medication or other care may be recommended according to the cause.
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
When indicated, to examine cells and help plan further management.
Surgery
Surgery is not the right option for every lump. When surgery is indicated, Dr. Poj assesses and plans the operation at a hospital.
Coordinated care
Some patients may need care coordinated with an endocrinologist or a head and neck specialist when appropriate.
Why RAJVITHI CLINIC
Why choose RAJVITHI CLINIC
Assessment of thyroid, salivary, and neck lumps is part of care with Dr. Poj at the clinic.
Examination by Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish, an ENT specialist
Ultrasound used together with history and examination when indicated
Dr. Poj explains the findings and the recommended care after the visit
Treatment planned at the clinic, or surgery at a hospital by Dr. Poj when indicated
The clinic does not accept a standalone ultrasound request in order to issue a report for another doctor
FAQ
Questions patients often ask
Is every thyroid nodule cancer?
No. Most thyroid nodules are not cancer. History, examination, and ultrasound help determine whether monitoring or further tests are needed.
Do I need to fast before ultrasound?
Usually not for thyroid and neck ultrasound. The clinic will advise if any special preparation is required.
Is the ultrasound painful?
No. Gel is applied to the skin and a probe is placed on the area being assessed. The scan typically takes about 15–30 minutes depending on the area examined.
Does every nodule need FNA?
No. Your doctor considers size, ultrasound features, symptoms, and clinical guidelines before recommending FNA. For information about FNA, see the Fine Needle Aspiration procedure page.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Prior reports, imaging, medication lists, and any notes about lump size. Appointments are recommended in advance.
How will I know the findings after ultrasound?
Dr. Poj explains the findings together with your history and examination, and advises on treatment, follow-up, or further tests as appropriate. No separate formal ultrasound report is issued.
Do you accept ultrasound referrals from other doctors?
This service supports assessment and treatment with Dr. Poj. If you need an ultrasound ordered by another doctor and a formal report returned to the referring clinician, please contact a hospital or a diagnostic radiology centre.
Can children or older adults have ultrasound?
Yes, when indicated. Preparation and explanation are adapted to the patient’s age and understanding.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Appointments are recommended, especially for ultrasound and neck lump assessment.
Where is RAJVITHI CLINIC?
1st Floor, MD Boutique Hotel, 18 Rajvithi Road, Chiang Mai
Is English consultation available?
Yes. The clinic sees international patients. Please bring prior reports if available.
References
Related guidelines and patient resources
The sources below are recognized international guidelines and patient-education resources for general learning. They are not individualized medical advice.
Thyroid nodule and fine-needle aspiration guidance
American Thyroid Association (ATA)
View source (American Thyroid Association (ATA))Patient education and clinical guidance in otolaryngology
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
View source (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS))Public ENT health information
ENThealth (AAO-HNS Foundation)
View source (ENThealth (AAO-HNS Foundation))
Educational information
Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified physician. If you have concerning symptoms, please consult an ENT specialist.
Related links
Learn more
Related clinic pages to help you explore conditions, services, and procedures.
Felt a lump on the face or neck?
Contact the clinic to ask about an assessment with Dr. Poj. He will examine you and decide whether ultrasound or further tests are needed.
Note: The examination supports treatment with Dr. Poj. No separate formal ultrasound report is issued.