Lymph Node Ultrasound

Lymph Node Ultrasound

A lymph node ultrasound is a scan that assesses the size, shape and internal structure of the lymph nodes in the neck. It is the first-line imaging test for a neck lump or swollen glands that are not settling, and at Vitalscan it is available with same-day appointments, no GP referral, and a written report within 3 to 5 working days.

Clinician in scrubs holding an ultrasound probe at the machine's control panel

Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

Share results anywhere

Our pricing

A systematic assessment of the neck lymph nodes at a single, transparent price.

Lymph Node Ultrasound

£175

Why book this scan?
  • Find out whether a neck lump is a lymph node or something else
  • Measure the size, shape and structure of each node
  • Distinguish a reactive node from one with suspicious features
  • Investigate swollen glands that have not settled
  • No GP referral needed
  • Written report to share with your GP or specialist

Please note: a lymph node ultrasound is booked under the Neck option in our online booking system. This covers the lymph nodes of the neck and the surrounding structures.

Is my neck lump a Lymph Node?

Most lumps in the neck are lymph nodes. Ultrasound is used first because it tells you quickly what the lump actually is, and it does so without radiation.

A neck lump ultrasound establishes three things. Whether the lump is a lymph node or a different structure such as a thyroid nodule, a salivary gland or a cyst. Where exactly it sits, and which node group it belongs to. And whether its appearance is consistent with a normal or reactive node, or has features that warrant further investigation.

Because the thyroid and salivary glands are assessed in the same appointment, the scan accounts for the structures most often mistaken for a lymph node.

Woman in a black T-shirt pressing both hands to the sides of her neck, just below the jaw

What a Lymph Node Ultrasound shows

Lymph nodes are assessed on appearance rather than size alone. A large node can be entirely normal, and a small one can be abnormal. These are the features recorded during the scan.

Size and Shape

Each node is measured, and its shape is described as the ratio of its short axis to its long axis. Normal and reactive nodes tend to be flat and oval. A node that has become rounded is assessed more closely.

Cortical Thickness

The cortex is the outer rim of the node. Even, thin thickening is a common finding in reactive nodes. Thickening in one part of the node only is recorded and assessed further.

The Fatty Hilum

The hilum is the fatty centre of the node, where its blood vessels enter. A clearly preserved fatty hilum is a reassuring feature. Loss of the hilum is one of the findings that prompts further investigation.

Blood Flow

Colour Doppler shows how blood moves through the node. Flow that enters at the hilum and branches outwards is the normal pattern. Flow around the rim or in a disorganised pattern is assessed further.

Reactive Lymph Nodes

A reactive node is one that has enlarged in response to infection or inflammation. It is by far the most common finding, and it usually keeps the oval shape, thin even cortex and normal blood flow described above.

Clustering and Matting

Nodes that sit in a tight cluster, or appear to have lost their separate outlines, are described in the report because the pattern itself is relevant to what happens next.

What a Lymph Node Ultrasound cannot show

Ultrasound describes what a lymph node looks like. It cannot confirm or rule out cancer, including lymphoma, because that requires a sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope.

A scan guides a biopsy, it does not replace one

A scan that identifies suspicious features is the reason a biopsy is arranged, not a substitute for one. An entirely normal scan is also not a guarantee that nothing is wrong if your symptoms continue.

Your written report sets out the findings clearly and states where further assessment is recommended, so you and your GP know what the next step is.

Considering an MRI instead?

Ultrasound only reaches the nodes it can see. The nodes in the chest and deep in the abdomen sit beyond its range, so if the clinical question concerns those, a CT or MRI scan is the appropriate test. If you are unsure which investigation answers your question, contact our team and we can advise before you book.

What your
Lymph Node Ultrasound includes

Each private lymph node ultrasound at Vitalscan is a systematic assessment of the lymph node groups in the neck, from the jawline down to the collarbone.

  • Assessment of every lymph node group in the neck
  • The thyroid and salivary glands assessed in the same appointment
  • A written report within 3 to 5 working days
  • A report written to be shared with your GP or specialist
  • Direct contact from our team if anything needs prompt attention
  • No GP referral required
  • No preparation needed
  • Same-day appointments available

When to book a Lymph Node Ultrasound

Lymph nodes swell as a normal response to infection, and most settle within a few weeks without any treatment. A scan is useful when a lump is not resolving, is growing, or you simply want a clear answer. Common reasons to book include:

  • A lump in the neck that you can feel but cannot explain
  • Swollen glands that have lasted more than a few weeks
  • A node that is getting larger rather than smaller
  • Swollen glands alongside night sweats, fever or unexplained weight loss
  • A previously identified node that needs monitoring
  • Reassurance after a GP examination

  • A lump that feels firm or does not move under the skin 

  • Swelling on one side of the neck only

  • A lump above the collarbone

You do not need a GP referral to book. If your lump has appeared very suddenly with severe pain, fever and difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical attention rather than booking a routine scan.

Understanding your Lymph Node Ultrasound results

Your written report is prepared by our clinical team and issued within 3 to 5 working days. It records each node assessed, its measurements and its appearance, and is written to be shared with your GP or a specialist.

Most reports describe reactive nodes, which need no treatment and settle on their own. Where a node has features that warrant further assessment, the report says so plainly and recommends the next step, which is usually a specialist opinion and a biopsy. If anything identified during the scan needs prompt attention, our team will contact you directly rather than waiting for the report to be issued.

Paying for your Lymph Node Ultrasound

Private lymph node ultrasound scans at Vitalscan are self-pay only at £175. We do not accept private medical insurance for this service, and the cost cannot be claimed through your insurer. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

How the process works

From booking to receiving your written report, a clear, simple journey at our Milton Keynes clinic.

Step 1

Book Your Scan

Book online or by phone, selecting the Neck option. No GP referral is needed. There is no preparation and you can eat and drink as normal. Same-day appointments are available.

Step 2

Attend Your Appointment

Your scan takes place in a private consultation room at our Milton Keynes clinic. You will lie back with your neck slightly extended while ultrasound gel is applied. The scan is painless and takes around 20 minutes.

Step 3

Scan Assessment

Images are assessed by our clinical team. If any findings require prompt attention, you will be contacted directly before your formal report is issued.

Step 4

Receive Your Report

A written report is issued within 3 to 5 working days. Share this with your GP or specialist to support next steps in your care.

Where your Lymph Node Ultrasound takes place

Your lymph node ultrasound takes place at Vitalscan, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH. Our private consultation rooms are designed to be calm and comfortable. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available on arrival.

Our Patient Pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your test online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure test accuracy & safety.

Test Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your test results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to Book Your Ultrasound?

Ready to
Book Your Ultrasound?

Booking your ultrasound is quick and easy, with no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Lymph Node Ultrasound FAQs

A reactive lymph node has enlarged in response to infection or inflammation. It is the most common finding on a neck ultrasound and usually needs no treatment. Reactive nodes typically keep their oval shape, thin even cortex and normal pattern of blood flow.

Glands that swell with a cold or sore throat usually settle within two to three weeks. A lump that is still there after a few weeks, is growing, or feels firm and fixed is worth scanning rather than continuing to watch.

The scan at Vitalscan covers the lymph nodes of the neck. If your symptoms involve nodes in the armpit or groin, contact our team before booking so we can advise which appointment is appropriate for you.

Ultrasound resolves small structures close to the skin surface better than CT or MRI, which makes it well suited to the neck. It is also quick, uses no radiation, and shows blood flow in real time, so it is the usual starting point.

No. You can book directly with Vitalscan without a GP referral. If you are unsure whether this scan is appropriate for your symptoms, our team can advise you when you call.

No preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take medications as normal. It helps to wear a top with an open neckline, and you may be asked to remove a necklace for the scan.

Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images and does not use radiation. It is a safe, well-established diagnostic tool used routinely across all areas of medicine.

Patient reviews

Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

MRI Scans
More
Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

Autumn Scan and Save, 20% off all MRI scans at Vitalscan Milton Keynes

20% OFF ALL MRI SCANS

Autumn Scan & Save

Save 20% on all MRI Scans this autumn. Explore our Full Body MRI packages and book your scan today.

Go to Top