This article is professionally reviewed by Master’s Degree Holder, Resident Doctor, and Specialist Level I Doctor Trịnh Lê Hồng Minh – Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Throat ultrasound is performed to detect abnormalities inside the pharynx, aiding doctors in timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing dangerous complications that could lead to nasopharyngeal cancer.
1. What is the purpose of a throat ultrasound?
The throat is not located too deep inside the body, but it cannot be examined solely by visual inspection. Therefore, doctors often perform throat ultrasounds to obtain images of this organ, aiding in the diagnosis of related conditions.
During a throat ultrasound, the practitioner uses a special probe that emits sound waves into the throat area (these waves are harmless). When the waves reach the targeted area, they bounce back and transmit the captured images to a monitor.
This method allows doctors to detect abnormalities inside the pharynx, facilitating early diagnosis and timely treatment, thereby preventing dangerous complications that could lead to nasopharyngeal cancer..
2. When should a throat ultrasound be performed to detect nasopharyngeal cancer?
All cancers have certain symptoms, and nasopharyngeal cancer is no exception. You should go to the hospital for a throat ultrasound if you experience the following symptoms:
- Unilateral nasal congestion: If you frequently experience nasal congestion on one side without a clear cause and often have thick nasal discharge with blood, you should undergo a throat ultrasound to screen for nasopharyngeal cancer.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck: Lymph nodes are clusters of cells that function like the immune system. If you have swollen, hard lymph nodes in your neck that persist for a long time, spread uncontrollably, and do not subside, you should undergo a nasopharyngeal ultrasound to determine the cause.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer often have trouble swallowing. In later stages, even swallowing saliva can become challenging. This is usually caused by tumor growth inside the throat, obstructing the passage of food or saliva. Early detection through a throat ultrasound is essential.
- Voice Changes: If you have already passed puberty and experience sudden, unexplained voice changes, it may indicate a throat issue. You should consult a doctor and consider a throat ultrasound if you notice any voice abnormalities.
- Chronic Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems: Persistent symptoms such as a prolonged cough, ear ringing (tinnitus), nasal congestion, or nosebleeds could be warning signs of nasopharyngeal cancer. If you experience these symptoms frequently, a throat ultrasound is recommended.
- Other Symptoms: Frequent headaches, migraines, or pain around the eye sockets, along with fatigue, weakness, and difficulty breathing, may also indicate nasopharyngeal cancer. A throat ultrasound can help rule out this condition and provide early detection if necessary.
3. Precautions Before a Throat Ultrasound
Throat ultrasound is a minimally invasive and gentle procedure. However, to ensure the best results, you should:
- Avoid alcoholic, carbonated, or artificially colored beverages.
- Refrain from smoking before the throat ultrasound.
- Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold, as well as foods that are high in salt or fermented; instead, maintain a healthy diet.
- Record any unusual symptoms you experience in your throat so that the doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis.
4. Some other methods for diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer.
Diagnosis based on symptoms suggesting distant metastasis: In some cases, distant metastases are present at an early stage, most commonly in the bones, liver, or lungs.
CT scan and MRI to assess tumor volume and the extent of local and regional invasion.
Chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and bone scintigraphy to detect distant metastases.
Blood tests to evaluate overall health and liver and kidney function.
Serological testing for viral load and EBV antibodies, including IgA/anti-EA and IgA/anti-VCA.
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