General Ultrasound
Thyroid Ultrasound
A detailed look at the thyroid gland, the salivary glands and the lymph nodes of the neck. The usual first test for a lump in the neck, a thyroid nodule, or thyroid blood tests that are not behaving.
- Duration
- 15–20 minutes
- Price
- €140, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
The thyroid sits just under the skin at the front of the neck, which makes it ideal for ultrasound: a high-frequency probe can resolve structures a couple of millimetres across. No other test shows thyroid anatomy in that detail without radiation.
Thyroid nodules are common
Nodules in the thyroid are very common and the large majority are not cancer. Their frequency rises with age, and many are found by accident during scans done for other reasons. Finding one is not, in itself, bad news.
What the scan is really assessing
Rather than simply reporting that a nodule is present, the radiologist describes its features: whether it is solid or fluid-filled, its margins, its echogenicity, and whether it contains calcification. Those features, together with size, determine whether a nodule can simply be left alone, watched, or sampled with a needle.
Blood tests and ultrasound answer different questions
Thyroid function tests tell you how the gland is working. Ultrasound tells you what it looks like. An underactive or overactive thyroid can look entirely normal on ultrasound, and a gland full of nodules can have perfectly normal blood tests. Your GP may well want both.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- Both lobes of the thyroid and the isthmus: size and texture
- Any nodules: number, size, and their detailed features
- The pattern of the gland, where thyroiditis is suspected
- The lymph nodes of the neck
- The salivary glands
- Blood flow within the gland, by Doppler
What's included
€140, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist, with nodule measurements and features
- The report to your GP within three working days, with your consent
- A clear recommendation on whether any follow-up is needed
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Palpable neck lump
- Thyroid nodule follow-up
- Abnormal thyroid function tests
- Persistent hoarseness
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
No preparation is needed. Eat and drink normally. Avoid a necklace and a high-necked top, because the front of the neck needs to be exposed; an open-necked shirt or a t-shirt is ideal.
During the scan
You lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulders so your neck is gently extended. The sonographer applies warm gel and moves a small probe over the front of your neck. You may be asked to swallow, which lifts the thyroid and shows its lower edge. It is painless. Allow fifteen to twenty minutes.
After your scan
No after-effects; the gel is wiped off and you can go straight back to your day. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent.
How to prepare
No preparation required. Please avoid wearing a necklace or a high-necked top.
Book your Thyroid Ultrasound
€140 including the consultant report, 15–20 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. If you have had thyroid blood tests or a previous scan, bring the results so the radiologist can compare.
I have found a lump in my neck. Is it serious?
Most neck lumps turn out to be benign, and ultrasound is the right first test to characterise one. Any lump that is new, growing, or associated with hoarseness or difficulty swallowing should also be seen by your GP.
What happens if a nodule is found?
The report describes its features and says clearly whether it needs nothing, a repeat scan in a period of time, or referral for a needle sample. Most need no more than a note.
Does the scan tell me if my thyroid is underactive?
No. That is what blood tests are for. Ultrasound shows structure, not function, and the two are often needed together.
Can you do the needle test on the same day?
Not at present. Where a nodule needs sampling, the report says so and your GP arranges it.
Also consider
Other general ultrasound scans
15 minutes
Soft Tissue Ultrasound (Lump & Bump)
Characterises lumps and swellings anywhere in the superficial soft tissues.
€145 · 15 minutes
25–30 minutes
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound
Dynamic assessment of tendons, muscles, ligaments, bursae and joints, examined in movement, which is something a static scan cannot show.
€160 · 25–30 minutes
30–45 minutes
Doppler Ultrasound
Measures blood flow through arteries and veins, including carotid, peripheral arterial and renal studies.
€180 · 30–45 minutes