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    4. Head & Neck Imaging

    Head & Neck Imaging

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our diagnostic imaging specialists provide head and neck imaging to help find possible causes of symptoms affecting this area. 

    Your consultant may recommend imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-ray or computed tomography (CT) to provide detailed information about the glands, tissues, bones, and other structures in your head and neck.

    Head and neck symptoms can have many different causes, ranging from inflammation and infection to thyroid conditions, salivary gland disorders and unexplained lumps or swelling. Imaging can help your care team better understand what is happening and determine the most appropriate next steps in your care.

    Our imaging team works closely with specialists in ear, nose and throat care, also called ENT, as well as oncology, rheumatology and other areas of medicine so that scan results are reviewed within the context of your overall health

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    • Head and neck imaging refers to a range of diagnostic tests used to examine structures within the head and neck, including: 

      • Lymph nodes (small structures that help your body fight infection) 
      • Salivary glands (producer of saliva) 
      • Thyroid gland (controls many body functions) 
      • Soft tissues of the neck 
      • Sinuses 
      • Jaw and facial structures 
      • Blood vessels 
      • Muscles and connective tissues 

      Different imaging tests provide different types of information. The most appropriate scan depends on your symptoms, medical history, and what your consultant is assessing.

    • Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultant may recommend head and neck imaging if you have symptoms such as: 

      • A lump or swelling in the neck 
      • Persistent facial, jaw, or neck pain 
      • Difficulty swallowing 
      • Changes in your voice 
      • Thyroid concerns 
      • Salivary gland symptoms 
      • Ongoing sinus problems 
      • Unexplained swelling or inflammation 
      • Symptoms that have not improved with treatment 
      • Dizziness
      • Hearing loss

      Imaging can help our care team look for possible causes of your symptoms, assess the extent of a condition, and support decisions about further testing or treatment.

    • Head and neck imaging may be used to assess a wide range of conditions, including: 

      • Thyroid nodules and thyroid disorders 
      • Enlarged lymph nodes 
      • Salivary gland conditions 
      • Head and neck masses 
      • Sinus disease 
      • Inflammatory conditions 
      • Changes in soft tissue 
      • Neck pain and swelling 
      • Blood vessel conditions affecting the neck 
      • Growths or suspected tumours 

      Scan results are considered alongside your symptoms, examination findings, and medical history to build a complete picture of your health.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your consultant will recommend the imaging test that is most appropriate for your symptoms and health needs.

      MRI scans 

      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of soft tissues within the head and neck. 

      MRI may be used to assess: 

      • Soft tissue structures 
      • Salivary glands 
      • Areas of inflammation 
      • Nerves and surrounding tissues 
      • Certain head and neck masses 
      • Internal auditory canal

       

      Ultrasound scans 

      Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of structures in the neck. 

      Ultrasound is commonly used to assess: 

      • Thyroid nodules 
      • Salivary glands 
      • Enlarged lymph nodes 
      • Neck lumps and swelling 

      X-rays 

      X-rays may be used in selected situations to assess bone structures or support the investigation of specific symptoms.

      Your consultant will advise whether an X-ray is appropriate as part of your assessment. 

      CT scans 

      Computed tomography (CT) combines multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional images. 

      CT scans may be recommended to evaluate: 

      • Deep structures within the neck 
      • Sinuses 
      • Bone abnormalities 
      • Areas that are hard to see clearly with other tests 
      • Certain head and neck masses 

      Different people need different imaging tests, and your imaging plan will be tailored to your symptoms and individual needs.

    • An accurate understanding of the cause of your symptoms helps your care team recommend the right next steps.

      Head and neck imaging can help: 

      • Confirm or rule out potential causes of symptoms 
      • Assess the size and location of a lump, swelling, or other change 
      • Monitor changes over time 
      • Determine whether additional testing is needed 
      • Support treatment planning and follow up care 

      Our imaging specialists work with your referring consultant and other specialists so your scan results are considered as part of your overall care plan.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to advanced diagnostic services and coordinated specialist care. 

      Our approach includes: 

      • Consultant-led assessment and referral pathways 
      • Access to advanced head and neck imaging technology 
      • High-quality MRI, ultrasound, CT, and X-ray services
      • Collaboration with specialists in ear, nose and throat care, oncology, rheumatology and other areas of medicine
      • Imaging results reviewed in the context of your symptoms, exam findings and medical history
      • Evidence-based recommendations tailored to each patient 

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic Network, we are committed to delivering precise diagnosis and patient-centred care. 

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance to provide a private ECG in London, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health, and WPA.

    If you do not have insurance, self-pay options are available, and our team will be happy to guide you through pricing and appointment arrangements.

    Book a head and neck imaging appointment

    If you have a neck lump, persistent swelling, thyroid concerns or other symptoms affecting the head and neck, our team can help you understand your options.

    We provide head and neck diagnostic imaging to support assessment and treatment planning.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team. 

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