Why might my child need a neck or thyroid ultrasound?
Most often for a lump or swollen gland in the neck that has not gone down after an illness, a lump in the middle of the neck, a lump that is growing, or a thyroid question raised by a doctor or blood test.
Should I worry about my child’s neck lump?
Usually not: most neck lumps in children are swollen lymph glands reacting to an infection. See your GP or book a scan if a lump:
- Is larger than about 2cm, or keeps growing
- Is hard, fixed, or above the collarbone
- Has lasted more than four to six weeks
- Comes with night sweats, weight loss or unexplained fevers
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E or call 999 if a neck swelling comes with difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, drooling or being unable to swallow, or if your child has a stiff neck with a fever and seems very unwell.
Why are my child’s glands always swollen?
Children’s lymph glands are busy: they swell with every cold, sore throat and ear infection, and in many children small glands can be felt all the time. That is normal. Glands that stay large, keep growing or come with other symptoms should be checked.
How long do swollen glands last in children?
Glands that swell with an infection usually go down over two to six weeks once the illness has passed, though small glands may stay easy to feel for longer. A gland that keeps growing, is very large or has not settled after about six weeks should be checked.
What is the lump behind my child’s ear?
A small lump behind the ear is most often a lymph node reacting to a scalp, ear or throat infection, or to head lice or eczema. These are normal and usually settle. A lump that is growing, red and painful, or that lasts more than a few weeks should be checked.
What is a lump in the middle of my child’s neck?
A lump in the middle of the neck is often a thyroglossal duct cyst, a harmless fluid-filled cyst left over from how the thyroid formed before birth. It typically moves up when your child swallows or sticks out their tongue. Ultrasound confirms it and checks the thyroid is in its normal place.
What are the common findings on a child’s neck scan?
Most commonly, reactive lymph nodes, which keep their normal shape and settle over weeks. Other findings include thyroglossal duct cysts, branchial cysts at the side of the neck, infected nodes that may form an abscess, and, rarely, a node or lump that needs further tests.
Can children have thyroid problems?
Yes, though thyroid lumps are uncommon in children. Thyroid problems in children are more often to do with how the gland works, which is checked with a blood test. Ultrasound shows the size and structure of the thyroid and any nodules, which are assessed carefully because they need specialist follow-up.
What does the scan check?
A child neck and thyroid ultrasound examines:
- The lymph nodes on both sides of the neck
- The thyroid gland and its position
- Any lump: solid, fluid-filled or an abscess
- The salivary glands under the jaw and in front of the ears
When is further review needed?
A review scan in four to six weeks is often advised for a node that looks reactive but is still a little large. Further tests or a referral are advised for nodes with unusual features, a growing lump, a thyroid nodule, or a cyst that needs removing.
Is a child neck ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child neck ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child neck ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child neck ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a child neck ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a child neck ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private child neck ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street child neck ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
