What Is This Scan?
A small parts ultrasound is a specialised examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to assess superficial organs, glands and soft tissues throughout the body. It provides detailed, high-resolution imaging of structures located close to the skin and is commonly used to investigate lumps, swelling, pain and abnormalities detected during clinical examination.
At IMPACT Radiology, our examinations are performed using premium ultrasound equipment by experienced sonographers and interpreted by specialist radiologists. High-frequency probes provide exceptional detail, allowing accurate characterisation of superficial structures and guiding further management where required.
Conditions We Commonly Assess
Thyroid Gland
- Thyroid nodules
- Multinodular goitre
- Thyroid enlargement
- Thyroid cysts
- Thyroiditis
- Suspicious thyroid lesions
- Follow-up of previously identified thyroid nodules
Parathyroid Glands
- Suspected parathyroid adenoma
- Parathyroid enlargement
Salivary Glands
- Salivary gland enlargement
- Salivary gland stones
- Salivary gland infection
- Benign and malignant salivary gland tumours
- Salivary gland cysts
Neck
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Neck masses
- Congenital cysts
- Lipomas
- Soft tissue lesions
Groin
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Hernias
- Soft tissue masses
- Collections
- Lipomas
Soft Tissue Lumps
- Lipomas
- Epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts
- Ganglion cysts
- Haematomas
- Foreign bodies
- Abscesses
- Benign and malignant soft tissue masses
Testes & Scrotum
- Testicular pain
- Testicular torsion
- Epididymitis
- Hydrocele
- Varicocele
- Testicular cysts
- Testicular tumours
- Scrotal lumps
Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?
Your doctor may request a small parts ultrasound if you have:
- A lump in the neck
- A thyroid nodule
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Neck swelling
- A salivary gland lump or swelling
- Groin swelling
- Suspected hernia
- A lump beneath the skin
- A painful or enlarging soft tissue mass
- Testicular pain
- Scrotal swelling
- Follow-up of a previously detected abnormality
Preparation
Most small parts ultrasound examinations require no special preparation.
However:
- Groin ultrasound may occasionally involve standing or performing a gentle straining manoeuvre to assess for a hernia.
- Scrotal ultrasound requires no preparation.
- Thyroid and neck ultrasound requires no preparation.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
What Happens During the Scan?
A warm ultrasound gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined.
The sonographer gently moves a high-frequency ultrasound probe across the skin to obtain detailed images of the affected structure.
Depending on the clinical question, you may be asked to:
- Swallow (thyroid examination)
- Turn your head
- Stand up (hernia assessment)
- Perform a gentle Valsalva manoeuvre (strain)
- Change position during the examination
Most examinations take 15–30 minutes.
The examination is painless, although mild pressure may cause temporary discomfort if the area is already tender.
