What to expect from an ultrasound

Hi, 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. 
 

I have an urgent referral for an ultrasound to check a lump on my neck. Is anyone able to advise what the purpose of the ultrasound is? As in, will they get a good idea from that if it is a 'normal' lymph node or if it's potentially cancer and needs a biopsy as confirmation? What is it they look for to tell the difference between normal and potentially cancerous? 
 

Thanks and have a good day

  • Hi, just an update. I have my ultrasound tomorrow so will let you know how it goes. 
    hope you're doing okay.

     

  • Hi Katie, 

    Good luck for tomorrow. I hope they can give you some answers soon and there's not too much waiting. 
     

    I'm still to get my appointment. I rang up last week and they said I'm on the list but they were waiting for doctors to release their schedules or something along those lines. She said I'll be seen within the 3 week guidelines though 

     

     

  • Hi there! 

     

    I am in almost the exact same situation as you however they didnt rush my ultrasound which means im on a 6 week wait! I have one hard lymph node at about 1cm in size on the right side of my neck. Cervical lymph node i believe? would love to stay in contact to exchange updates! As I am very anxious and worried at the moment.

     

    Hope you're doing ok! 

     

    Sarah xx

  • Hi Sarah, 

    Sorry to hear you are also going through the same thing. It's an anxious time isn't it. Feel free to reach out and talk whenever you need to. I will be happy to listen and support you in anyway I can.

    Please keep us updated on how your appointment goes xx
     

     

  • Hi Katie, 

    I was thinking if you today. I hope all went ok xx

  • Hi, sorry I didn't reply yesterday I was so busy! 
    I had my ultrasound and he noticed a few swollen nodes, took some pictures and then said 'they all look normal'.

    phew! So happy hopefully they're not swollen like this forever cause they are causing me discomfort but I'm glad they don't look suspicious. 

    I hope you also get good news when you get your appointment.

     

  • Hi Katie, 

    So glad to hear you had good news. What a relief for you. 
     

    I'm still awaiting my appointment to come through but will hopefully get the same good news as you xx

  • Just a little update for anyone that ends up referring to this thread for some answers. 
     

    I had my ultra sound tonight. I think I've waited about 4 weeks for the appointment so a quick turn around. 
     

    Here's what happened at my appointment if you are also wondering what to expect. The appointment probably took 15 minutes in total. I was asked some questions about where the lump was, how long I had had it and had I been ill recently. They then spent about 10 mins doing the ultrasound checking both sides of my neck and the front. It was a completely painless procedure. I wasn't given any results there and then but the doctor said he will compile a report and I should hear back from my doctor in the next 4 days.