Brief Answer:
Ultrasound scan neck does not visualize uvula

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Ultrasound scan neck checks the structures on the neck surface including the thyroid gland, salivary glands like submandibular and parotid, carotid arteries and internal jugular veins, muscles in the neck and if there are any lymph nodes in the neck due to illness.

2. Uvula is an internal structure and is not visible on the ultrasound. If you want to know any swelling in the uvula and adjacent regions then a CT scan or MRI scan neck is to be done after clinical examination by your doctor if required.

3. The reason for ultrasound scan neck is that usually in conditions involving the uvula and inner throat region, there will be lymph node swelling which is well seen on ultrasound scan. Since you had a lymph node swelling in the neck, therefore the doctor wanted to confirm if there are any more nodes which are hidden.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
If there is anechoic lesion with painful lymphnode and parotid region then infection suspected

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. The report shows there is a 5 x 3 mm anechoic structure. This is quite small and most likely a cyst if there is posterior acoustic enhancement with no significant blood flow around it. Anechoic is used for fluid filled. It is unlikely to be blood in your case.

2. The second possibility might be an abscess with anechoic area. However this should show some peripheral vascularity.

3. Tumors are usually hyperechoic with an increased blood flow and less commonly a tumor might appear hypoechoic or anechoic. This is extremely rare in case of a 5 x 3 mm lesion.

4. If the neck lymphnode is painful and you have noticed it recently with pain in the parotid region then my first suspicion will be an infection, after having checked the vascularity around it.

If there was no vascularity but there was posterior acoustic enhancement then a cyst is possible.

5. A tumor is usually large, heterogeneous hyperechoic which might have internal hypoechogenicity. I mean a tumor is more mixed in appearance and non homogeneous. It shows good vascularity internally.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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