An MRI of the neck shows everything between the base of the skull and the collarbones: the throat, larynx, tongue, salivary glands, thyroid, muscles, fat, blood vessels and lymph nodes. There is no radiation. The scan shows deep areas that ultrasound can't reach well, such as the lower throat or the space behind the larynx. At Oberig Clinic we do it in the Diagnostic Department on Siemens 1.5 and 3 Tesla scanners.
What a neck MRI shows
The radiologist gets slices in three planes and looks at each structure on its own. The images show the size and outline of any mass and how it relates to nearby organs. They also show swelling, inflammation and fluid. MRI tells soft tissues apart very well. That is why surgeons and radiation oncologists plan treatment from it.
Most often the scan helps to find or clarify:
- tumors of the throat, larynx, tongue and salivary glands, their borders and spread
- enlarged lymph nodes, to tell reactive nodes from suspicious ones
- neck cysts, including congenital lateral and midline cysts
- abscesses and other infections in the deep spaces of the neck
- changes after surgery or radiation, and recurrence
When doctors order it
Usually an ENT doctor, endocrinologist, oncologist or surgeon refers you when an exam and ultrasound leave questions open. Typical reasons: a lump in the neck that stays for several weeks, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks without a cold, one-sided throat pain, swelling under the jaw. Another group is follow-up after treatment of head and neck tumors. If your throat or voice bothers you, start with an ENT consultation with endoscopy.
For the thyroid and surface nodes, ultrasound comes first. A thyroid ultrasound is faster and cheaper. You need an MRI when a nodule is large, reaches behind the breastbone, or the doctor must see how it sits against the trachea and esophagus.
Preparation and how it goes
No special prep. You can eat and drink. Take off anything metal: jewelry, hairpins, removable dentures. Tell us about a pacemaker, metal implants, pregnancy or allergies. Bring earlier ultrasound, CT and MRI reports and discharge notes. The doctor needs to see the change over time.
You lie on your back with a special coil around your neck. Keep still during the scan. Try not to swallow, because a moving larynx blurs the picture. The staff will tell you when you can swallow between series. The scan takes about 20-30 minutes, a bit longer with contrast. The machine is loud, so you get headphones.
Scan with contrast
Contrast helps when the doctor needs to see a tumor, its blood supply and borders, check lymph nodes or look for recurrence after treatment. A gadolinium agent goes into a vein during the scan. You may need a recent creatinine test first. Drink more water afterwards. The radiologist decides if you need contrast, based on your referral and earlier images.
Normal results and the report
Normally the neck structures are symmetrical, with smooth outlines and no abnormal signal. Lymph nodes are oval, with a short axis usually under 10 mm. The deep spaces of the neck hold no fluid. The report describes each structure and the size of any finding. Your referring doctor reads it together with your symptoms and other tests. The report is ready within 24 hours, except weekends and public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Ultrasound or MRI: which is better?
They do different jobs. Ultrasound is the first step for the thyroid and surface nodes. MRI shows the deep areas, throat, larynx and how far a process has spread.
Do fillings and crowns get in the way?
No. Fillings and fixed crowns are not a problem. Metal-ceramic crowns can slightly distort the image next to them.
Do I need a referral?
You can book on your own. With a referral, though, the radiologist picks the right protocol and scan area.
Price at Oberig Clinic
The price depends on the scanner strength and on contrast. The 3 Tesla scan includes an extended protocol for the oropharynx, larynx and thyroid.
| Test | Price |
|---|
| Neck soft tissues, 1.5 Tesla | UAH 4,885 |
| Neck soft tissues (oropharynx, larynx, thyroid), 3 Tesla | UAH 5,965 |
| Contrast enhancement (1.5 or 3 Tesla) | UAH 2,745 |
| ENT consultation with endoscopy | UAH 1,790 |
Prices follow the clinic price list as of 18.10.2026. They may change, so please check the current price with our contact center.
Why choose Oberig Clinic
- Two Siemens scanners: Magnetom Vida 3 Tesla with a wider bore and Magnetom Sempra 1.5 Tesla with a quiet scan mode.
- Radiologists of the Diagnostic Department, headed by Taras Matsiievskyi, read every scan with a double independent review.
- American College of Radiology protocols and a report within 24 hours.
- ENT doctors, endocrinologists, oncologists and surgeons work in one clinic, so you can see a specialist right after the scan.
Address: 3 Zoolohichna St., buildings G and V, Kyiv. Book online at https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/ or call +38 044 521 30 03.
