Private Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound Scan in London
A focused, painless ultrasound scan of your thyroid gland, neck lymph nodes, salivary glands and surrounding neck soft tissues, performed by an experienced consultant sonographer.
Available from £219, with no GP referral required, same-day or next-day appointments where available, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours.
Quick Answer
A thyroid and neck ultrasound is a safe, painless and radiation-free scan that checks the thyroid gland, neck lymph nodes, salivary glands and surrounding neck soft tissues. It can help assess thyroid nodules, cysts, goitre, thyroid inflammation, abnormal lymph nodes, salivary gland stones and other neck lumps.
At London Private Ultrasound, the scan costs £219 and includes your ultrasound, consultation with the sonographer, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours.
What Is a Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound?
A thyroid and neck ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed real-time images of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures in the neck. It does not use radiation and is non-invasive.
During the scan, a small handheld probe is moved gently over the skin of your neck using ultrasound gel. The images allow the sonographer to assess the size, shape and texture of the thyroid gland, identify nodules or cysts, and examine nearby lymph nodes and salivary glands.
This scan is commonly used to investigate a thyroid lump, visible neck swelling, abnormal thyroid blood tests, suspected thyroiditis, goitre, enlarged lymph nodes or follow-up of a known thyroid nodule.
What Is Included in the £219 Thyroid Scan?
- Thyroid and neck ultrasound scan
- Assessment of thyroid size, texture, nodules and cysts
- Assessment of neck lymph nodes
- Assessment of salivary glands where appropriate
- Consultation with your sonographer
- Immediate verbal explanation of findings
- Written report usually within 24 hours
- Guidance on next steps or referral if needed
Private Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound
All-inclusive price for the scan, consultation and written report.
Book This ScanWhat Does the Scan Examine?
A thyroid and neck ultrasound is not limited to the thyroid alone. It can assess several important structures in the front and sides of the neck.
Thyroid Gland
Size, shape, volume, texture, symmetry and signs of inflammation or enlargement.
Thyroid Nodules
Number, size, location, composition, borders, calcification and features that may need follow-up.
Thyroid Cysts
Fluid-filled thyroid lesions, mixed cystic-solid nodules and benign-appearing cysts.
Neck Lymph Nodes
Size, shape and appearance of cervical lymph nodes, including suspicious or reactive features.
Salivary Glands
Parotid and submandibular glands for stones, inflammation, cysts or masses.
Other Neck Lumps
Soft-tissue lumps, cysts and other visible or palpable neck abnormalities.
What Can a Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound Help Detect?
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cysts
- Goitre or enlarged thyroid
- Thyroiditis and inflammatory thyroid changes
- Features that may suggest Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Features that may suggest Graves’ disease
- Suspicious thyroid nodule features requiring further assessment
- Enlarged or abnormal neck lymph nodes
- Salivary gland stones or inflammation
- Other neck soft-tissue lumps
When Should You Book a Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound?
You may benefit from a private thyroid and neck ultrasound if you have symptoms, abnormal blood tests or a known thyroid or neck finding that needs assessment or monitoring.
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- A known thyroid nodule needing follow-up
- Visible or felt thyroid enlargement
- Abnormal thyroid blood tests
- Difficulty swallowing or pressure in the throat
- Unexplained hoarseness with neck swelling
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Salivary gland swelling or pain
Thyroid Ultrasound and Thyroid Blood Tests: What Is the Difference?
Thyroid blood tests and thyroid ultrasound answer different questions. Blood tests check thyroid function, including hormone levels. Ultrasound checks thyroid structure, including nodules, cysts, inflammation and gland size.
Blood Tests
Assess thyroid function, such as whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
Ultrasound
Assesses the structure of the thyroid gland, nodules, cysts and nearby lymph nodes.
Combined Assessment
For many patients, combining blood tests and ultrasound gives a clearer picture of thyroid health.
You can have normal thyroid blood results but still have structural findings such as nodules, cysts or gland enlargement. You can also have abnormal thyroid function with no suspicious structural finding. This is why the right test depends on the clinical question.
Understanding Thyroid Nodule Grading
Thyroid nodules are often described using an ultrasound risk classification system. This helps decide whether a nodule is reassuring, needs monitoring, or requires biopsy or specialist referral.
| Grade | Typical Meaning | Possible Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| U1 | Normal thyroid appearance | No nodule of concern |
| U2 | Benign-appearing nodule | Reassurance or monitoring if clinically needed |
| U3 | Indeterminate or equivocal appearance | Further assessment may be considered |
| U4 | Suspicious ultrasound features | Biopsy or specialist referral may be recommended |
| U5 | Highly suspicious ultrasound appearance | Prompt specialist assessment is usually required |
Grading is not a diagnosis by itself. It helps communicate the ultrasound appearance and guide the safest next step.
How the Appointment Works
- Arrival and check-in: Our team confirms your details and makes you comfortable.
- Clinical history: Your sonographer asks about symptoms, previous scans, blood tests and any thyroid history.
- Positioning: You lie comfortably on your back with the neck gently extended.
- The ultrasound scan: Gel is applied to the skin and the probe is moved gently over the neck.
- Immediate explanation: Your sonographer explains the main findings after the scan.
- Written report: A detailed report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
How to Prepare for Your Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound
- No fasting required
- Eat and drink normally
- Take usual medication unless told otherwise
- Wear clothing that is loose around the neck
- Remove necklaces or neck jewellery before the scan
- Bring previous scan reports or blood test results if available
If you have neck pain, difficulty lying flat or limited neck movement, please tell the clinic when booking so we can make you as comfortable as possible.
Private vs NHS Thyroid Ultrasound
NHS thyroid ultrasound is available through referral pathways and provides excellent care. Private ultrasound is useful when you want faster access, a direct appointment, weekend availability or a quick report.
| Feature | Private at London Private Ultrasound | NHS |
|---|---|---|
| Referral | No GP referral required | Usually requires GP or specialist referral |
| Appointment speed | Same-day or next-day availability where possible | Depends on local waiting times |
| Report | Usually within 24 hours | Varies by service |
| Cost | £219 | Free at point of use |
Related Thyroid and Neck Services
Locations
London W1G 8EN
Harley Street Medical District
020 7101 3377
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a thyroid and neck ultrasound cost?
The scan costs £219. This includes the ultrasound scan, consultation with your sonographer, written report within 24 hours and guidance on next steps.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. GP referrals are welcome but not required.
Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is painless and non-invasive. You may feel gentle pressure from the probe and cool gel on the skin.
Does ultrasound use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionising radiation.
How long does the scan take?
The scan itself usually takes 15–30 minutes. Please allow around 45–60 minutes for the full appointment.
Can ultrasound diagnose thyroid cancer?
Not by itself. Ultrasound can identify suspicious features, but a biopsy is usually needed for a definitive diagnosis.
What is a thyroid nodule?
A thyroid nodule is a lump within the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but ultrasound helps assess whether a nodule looks reassuring or needs further investigation.
Can I have a thyroid ultrasound if my blood tests are normal?
Yes. Blood tests check thyroid function, while ultrasound checks thyroid structure. Structural findings such as nodules can be present even when blood tests are normal.
When will I get my results?
Your sonographer will explain the main findings after the scan. A written report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
Can I combine the scan with thyroid blood tests?
Yes. Thyroid blood tests can be arranged alongside ultrasound where clinically appropriate.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a companion for support.
Where is the clinic?
The London clinic is at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN, in the Harley Street medical district. There is also a St Albans clinic at 54–56 Victoria Street.
Book a Private Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound Scan in London
Get fast, clear answers about a thyroid lump, neck swelling, thyroid nodule, abnormal blood tests or lymph node concern. Book directly without a GP referral.