Tongue sonography: An introduction

Abstract

Sonography has long been recognised as the primary imaging modality in the evaluation of thyroid, parathyroid, nodal, and salivary gland pathologies. Since the late 1980‐2019's, the literature has described an evolving role for ultrasound in the assessment of the tongue and the floor of mouth. Ultrasound can be used for tumour staging, vascular malformations, and for the evaluation of tongue movement during phonation and in the sleep cycle. This article aims to introduce the sonographer to the basic technique, sonographic anatomy, and commonly encountered abnormalities of tongue ultrasound. It has been divided into three key sections: Anatomy, Function, and Physiology; ultrasound technique (Transcervical/Intra‐oral); common pathology.