Thyroid Ultrasound and Biopsy Q & A
What are thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies?
Ultrasounds and biopsies are powerful diagnostic tools that allow physicians to identify health problems.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and their echoes to create images of your thyroid. A biopsy involves collecting a tissue sample. Ally Endocrinology team offers on-site fine needle aspiration with ultrasound guidance to collect thyroid biopsies.
Why would I need a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy?
Thyroid problems, such as cancer and nodules, can cause disruptive and potentially dangerous symptoms, including:
- Goiters
- Weight loss or gain
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness and tremors
- Anxiety and irritability
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Fatigue
- Irregular or absent periods
When untreated, thyroid problems can increase your risk of heart disease, neuropathy, seizures, and osteoporosis.
Ally Endocrinology team uses thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies to diagnose your specific thyroid problem, so they can provide the best possible treatment to restore your health.
What happens during these tests?
A thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure. While you recline on a treatment table, a technician glides a transducer wand over the front of your neck. The transducer sends sound waves into your body and collects their echoes as they bounce off your thyroid and other internal structures.
The ultrasound transducer is connected to a computer that translates the echoes into images of your internal organs. Your doctor examines the images to identify swelling, tumors, or other abnormalities.
If you need a thyroid biopsy, your physician uses ultrasound to visualize your thyroid. The image allows them to insert a thin hollow needle into the correct part of your thyroid to take a tissue sample. They often take three or four samples to obtain enough tissue.
The team at Ally Endocrinology provides a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your thyroid biopsy. The process doesn’t take long. Your neck might feel tender for a couple of days after your biopsy, but an over-the-counter pain medication should relieve your discomfort.
How should I prepare for a thyroid ultrasound and biopsy?
In most cases, you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for these tests. Let your physician know if you take any blood-thinning medications. They will let you know if you need to stop taking your medicine for a few days before your biopsy.
Call your nearest office of Ally Endocrinology today or schedule a consultation online if you need state-of-the-art thyroid ultrasounds or biopsies.
