Neck ultrasound
The thyroid gland, a key organ in the neck area, affects metabolism, hormonal balance and overall health. Thyroid ultrasound is a quick, non-invasive and painless method that detects problems such as nodules, inflammation or cancer before they cause serious complications. At Hello Beauty Clinic, we offer professional ultrasound examinations, which are the basis of prevention for people of all ages.
Why Thyroid Health Matters
The thyroid gland, a tiny butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck, is one of the key regulators of body functions. It produces hormones – thyroxine and triiodothyronine – that have a major impact on metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, growth, fertility, the immune system and psychological well-being. These hormones affect almost every cell in the body and their balance is essential for overall health. In women, the thyroid gland is of particular importance because its function directly affects hormonal processes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women are 5-8 times more susceptible to thyroid diseases than men, which is due to hormonal fluctuations during puberty, reproductive age, pregnancy and menopause, as well as a higher predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
Thyroid diseases are diverse and often manifest themselves insidiously, which makes their early diagnosis difficult. The most common include hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), which causes fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation or depressed mood, and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function), which causes nervousness, rapid heartbeat, weight loss or shaking hands. Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (leading to hypothyroidism) or Basedow's disease (associated with hyperthyroidism) are particularly common in women - for example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects approximately 10% of women aged 30-50. Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) can be caused by viral infections or postpartum changes. Thyroid cancer is showing an increasing incidence, especially in women aged 20-50, according to the National Cancer Registry of the Czech Republic. Symptoms of these diseases, such as hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, sweating, heart palpitations, or mood swings, are often confused with normal stress, fatigue, or aging, which increases the risk of late diagnosis.
What is a neck ultrasound and how is it done
Neck ultrasound is a highly effective, non-invasive diagnostic method that uses ultrasound waves to create a detailed and accurate image of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures in the neck area, including lymph nodes. This technology works on the principle of the reflection of high-frequency sound waves from tissues, which are converted into a visual image, allowing the doctor to assess the condition of the organs without the need for invasive interventions. Ultrasound is completely painless, usually lasts 15-20 minutes and does not require any special preparation, which makes it a comfortable and accessible method for a wide range of patients. During the examination, the doctor applies a gel to the skin of the neck that improves the transmission of ultrasound waves and carefully examines the thyroid gland using a hand-held probe. In this way, it is possible to assess its size, shape, structure and the presence of abnormalities such as nodes, cysts, inflammatory changes or tumors.
At Hello Beauty Clinic, we perform neck ultrasound using the most modern ultrasound equipment, which ensures high resolution and accurate results. Our examinations are performed by experienced doctors who have many years of experience in imaging diagnostics of thyroid diseases and approach each client with the utmost care and professionalism. Neck sonography is recommended for clients of all ages, whether as part of preventive examinations or for specific health problems. Common indications include, for example, the detection of a lump or thickening in the neck, unexplained fatigue, weight changes, irregular menstrual cycles, nervousness, hair loss or feelings of pressure in the neck area. These symptoms may indicate thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
One of the key advantages of neck sonography is its absolute safety, which makes it suitable even for children and pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the demands on the thyroid gland, which plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus, especially its brain and nervous system. Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, premature birth or developmental defects. Sonography is an ideal auxiliary method for monitoring thyroid health without any risk to the mother or fetus. Therefore, we also recommend neck sonography to women planning pregnancy or in the first trimester to increase the likelihood of detecting thyroid pathology and support a healthy pregnancy.
Neck sonography also plays an irreplaceable role in the prevention and early diagnosis of serious diseases, including thyroid cancer, the incidence of which is increasing in the population. This method allows you to detect thyroid nodules, which are benign (non-cancerous) in 90% of cases, but can be malignant in 5-10%. Sonography helps doctors assess the nature of these nodules and decide whether further examination is necessary.
We emphasize prevention and early diagnosis, which can significantly improve the health of our clients. A thyroid ultrasound is recommended for anyone who wants to be sure that their thyroid is functioning properly, especially if they have a family history of thyroid disease, are going through menopause, or are planning a pregnancy. It is also recommended for people with risk factors such as autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes) or exposure to iodine deficiency, which can lead to goiter. A thyroid ultrasound is a simple but essential step in protecting your health, which can detect problems at an early stage when they are more easily treated, and gives clients peace of mind knowing that their health is under professional control.
What problems can a neck ultrasound detect
A neck ultrasound focused on the thyroid gland is crucial for the early diagnosis of various diseases. The most common findings include:
- Thyroid nodules: Most nodules are benign, but 5-10% may be cancerous. Ultrasound helps assess their size, shape, and nature so that the doctor can decide on further treatment.
- Thyroid inflammation: For example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease common in women, is detected by changes in the structure of the gland.
- Thyroid cancer: Although rare, its incidence in the population is increasing. A neck ultrasound allows you to identify suspicious lesions and start treatment early.
- Thyroid enlargement (goiter): It can be caused by iodine deficiency or hormonal imbalance, and ultrasound helps determine the cause.
At Hello Beauty Clinic, we focus on accurate diagnosis and an individual approach. Neck ultrasound not only reveals potential problems, but also gives clients the confidence that their health is under the supervision of experts.
Why Clients Should Have Regular Neck Ultrasounds
Prevention is the most effective way to protect your health, and a thyroid ultrasound is an ideal method for early detection of problems that could go unnoticed without an examination and lead to serious health complications. This non-invasive, quick, and painless diagnostic technique is key to monitoring the condition of the thyroid gland, an organ that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, hormonal balance, fertility, and overall well-being. We encourage clients to include a neck ultrasound in their regular health routine because there are several key reasons why this examination is essential for their health and disease prevention.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect key body processes, including heart rate, body temperature, growth, and psychological well-being. In women, these hormones are of particular importance because they directly affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, or menopause can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction, which can affect the health of both the woman and her offspring. For example, during pregnancy, proper thyroid function is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus. Neck ultrasound allows for close monitoring of thyroid health during these life stages, in order to detect and treat potential problems such as inflammation, nodules, or hormonal imbalances in a timely manner.
Women are significantly more susceptible to thyroid disease than men, up to 5-8 times more. This increased vulnerability is due not only to hormonal fluctuations, but also to a higher predisposition to autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which affects approximately 10% of women aged 30-50. This autoimmune condition, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, can lead to hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, depression, or hair loss. Another common condition is Basedow's disease, which causes hyperthyroidism, characterized by nervousness, rapid heartbeat, or unwanted weight loss. Neck ultrasound plays a key role in detecting these changes because it can detect structural abnormalities such as gland enlargement (goiter), inflammatory processes, or nodules that may indicate autoimmune or other pathological conditions.
The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer is another reason why neck ultrasound is necessary. According to the National Cancer Registry of the Czech Republic, this disease is three times more common in women than in men, with the highest incidence observed between the ages of 20 and 50. Although most thyroid nodules (about 90%) are benign, about 5-10% can be malignant, and early detection is key to successful treatment. A neck ultrasound is the first line of diagnosis because it allows doctors to assess the nature of the nodules – their size, shape, and margins – and decide whether further testing is needed. Early diagnosis of thyroid cancer greatly increases the chances of a complete cure and minimizes the need for extensive surgery. This can even save a person’s life.
Many thyroid diseases present with subtle symptoms that are easily overlooked or attributed to other causes, such as stress, fatigue, or aging. These symptoms include not only fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and irritability, but also palpitations, sweating, irregular menstrual cycles, feeling cold, or hair loss. These non-specific manifestations often lead patients to seek medical help only when the problems are advanced. Neck ultrasound provides a clear and accurate anatomical picture of the thyroid gland, which helps to distinguish common problems from serious medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation or tumors. This method is invaluable not only for diagnosis, but also for regular monitoring of already known conditions, for example, when monitoring the size of the nodules or the effectiveness of treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Control is also appropriate after thyroid surgery.
How a thyroid scan helps during pregnancy
Pregnancy places unique demands on the thyroid gland, as its hormones (T4 and T3) support the fetus's immune system and the growth of its bones and organs. A deficiency of these hormones can cause complications such as a weakened immune system in the baby or growth disorders, while an excess can lead to high blood pressure in the mother. A thyroid scan is a safe and quick method that allows you to monitor the thyroid gland without risk to the pregnancy, detects changes such as abnormalities in the structure of the gland, and helps prevent problems.
We recommend a thyroid scan for women planning a pregnancy or in the first trimester to increase the likelihood that the thyroid gland is functioning properly.
How to prepare for a thyroid scan
A thyroid scan is simple and does not require complex preparation, which makes it accessible and convenient. At Hello Beauty Clinic, we recommend the following steps for a smooth examination:
- Tell your medical history - Tell your doctor about your family history of thyroid disease, medications you are taking, or symptoms such as fatigue or irregular periods.
- Wear appropriate clothing - Choose clothing that makes it easy to access your neck.
- Stay calm - The examination is quick and painless.
After the examination, you will receive a detailed description of the findings and, if necessary, further recommendations, such as hormone blood tests or a consultation with an endocrinologist.
Why choose neck sonography at Hello Beauty Clinic
At Hello Beauty Clinic in Pilsen, we offer neck sonography with an emphasis on maximum accuracy, professionalism and comfort for each client. Our team consists of experienced doctors with many years of experience in ultrasound diagnostics. They approach the examination with expertise and empathy to ensure not only accurate results, but also a pleasant process. We use top-of-the-line ultrasound devices that provide detailed and clear images, which allows for careful analysis without compromising on quality. We create a friendly environment where each client feels relaxed, safe and respected, making the examination stress-free. Our priority is a comprehensive approach - in addition to the sonography itself, we offer an individual consultation, during which the client receives a clear explanation of the findings and recommendations for next steps. This personal approach allows us to tailor care to the specific needs of each client, whether it is prevention or monitoring of health. At Hello Beauty Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest level of services that support the health and well-being of our clients.
Neck Sonography - Summary
We offer neck sonography as a fast, safe and effective method of examination. The thyroid gland is a key organ that has a significant impact on the overall balance of the body and its health is important for an active and fulfilling life. Neck sonography is an essential part of prevention for clients of all ages. With regular examinations, you can gain greater confidence that your body is in order and prevent problems that could disrupt your daily comfort or health. This simple step allows you to focus on what is important to you, knowing that your health is taken care of.
Are you interested in neck sonography? Order a sonography via the following link.