In what cases is the ultrasound of the throat and larynx prescribed? What does the result of the procedure show?

Every day tens of thousands of people turn to medical centers, complaining of a throat or larynx. Patients experience some discomfort or suffer frequent angina. The reasons for treatment may be different, often ENT doctors for setting or clarifying the diagnosis have to assign ultrasound of the throat and larynx. What does this study show? How is the procedure performed?

Direction on ultrasound

Despite the fact that ultrasound is considered one of the best diagnostic methods, otolaryngologists do not have a separate procedure for scanning ENT organs. A logical question arises, but do ultrasound and throat do? Of course, they do, because this is the most inexpensive and safe method of examination. Here only doctors should give out a direction on scanning of a neck or a thyroid gland. But, despite this result, the result gives the opportunity to establish the problem and begin to fight it. Diagnostic centers repeatedly scan the neck, and in fact, ultrasound of the throat and larynx. That shows, how much this procedure is claimed. So do not be surprised to read in the direction of the appointment for examination of the neck or thyroid.

Indications for ultrasound of ENT organs

The need for ultrasound scanning occurs if the patient came up with the following complaints:

• Appearance in the throat of hardening;
• Constant sensation of a coma in the throat ;
• Tumors of an oncologic nature in the neck that affect the condition of the throat or larynx;
• Excretion of pus, heavy odor when breathing;
• Severe pain with fever;
• Inflammatory processes in acute or chronic form;
• Change voice timbre;
• Prolonged dry cough.

Conducting ultrasound diagnosis helps to clear doubts and confirm or deny the diagnosis.

What can the ultrasound of the neck show?

The otolaryngologist appoints an examination of the neck, not an ultrasound of the throat and larynx, which shows the condition of all the structures of the problem zone, and not just the ENT organs. During the diagnosis the following parameters are evaluated:

• Internal surface and structure of the lower throat and larynx, with a description of any seals or neoplasms;
• The size of the lumen and its uniformity;
• The condition of the walls of the organs under investigation, the presence of nodes or tumors;
• Cellular spaces around the throat and larynx;
• Condition of the cervical lymph nodes;
• Confirmation of tumors in the throat, an approximate determination of their nature (cyst, adenoma, cancer, abscess);
• Presence of inflammatory processes.

The ultrasound of the throat and larynx allow supplementing the information obtained during examination. The doctor can prescribe or adjust the treatment, and decide on the appointment of new studies, such as a biopsy.

How is the procedure performed

Examination of the neck occurs according to a certain algorithm. There is nothing terrible or painful in this. The patient should free the neck from scarves, collars and ornaments. Then it is convenient to lie on the couch, after which the doctor will apply a conductive gel to the skin. Sonologist begins to move the sensor around the neck, watching the image on the screen. According to the results of the survey, a special protocol is issued, in which all indicators are described and deciphered. The procedure does not take much time, on average, its duration does not exceed 20 minutes.

What's next?

With the result of the examination on the hands, the patient returns to the treating doctor. He studies the protocol of the examination and prescribes therapy. If hypoechoic nodes are found, the diagnosis should be continued.

Patients should not panic, having read the phrase "hypoechoic formation" in the protocol. This is not a diagnosis, but a description of the structure density. At this point, the tissue structure is less dense than around, and the ultrasonic pulse moves more slowly. Means, the doctor should be revealed, it is a pathology or norm or rate for the given site. Sometimes the results are simply incorrect in the ultrasound of the throat and larynx, which shows not the presence of serious abnormalities of health, but the low qualification of a sonologist (a specialist who performed ultrasound).

And one more clarification. Structures with low density may turn out to be a cyst. It is a cavity with thin walls, the tissue of which resembles the mucous membrane. There is liquid inside the cavity. However, in the protocol of ultrasound they never write the term "cyst". Since biopsies are necessary to establish this diagnosis. The procedure can be performed with a special needle or other medical devices.

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the neck

The ultrasound of the throat and larynx is quite easy to make. With the appointment on your hands, you need to register for a scan. To observe a diet or a special drinking regimen is not necessary. The main thing is not to delay the assignment, so as not to miss the time.

The main danger

Practice shows that in men after 60 years, the risk of identifying throat cancer is significantly increased . According to statistics, he ranks 11th in the causes of male mortality. Women also should not relax, for them, this reason stands on 19th place. Oncology of the throat and larynx is most often associated with excesses and abuses. People do not want to hear that alcohol and tobacco are slow killers. In addition, work in harmful conditions, such as interaction with asbestos, acids or nickel, has a strong effect.

With increased fatigue, changes in the voice, shortness of breath and an incessant dry cough, it is necessary to diagnose the condition of the throat and larynx as soon as possible. Detection of oncology at early stages allows, at least, to prolong the patient's life for 5-7 years.

If you need ultrasound of the throat and larynx, where to do it? Diagnosis is carried out in municipal and private clinics.