Ultrasound Thyroid Biopsy
What is an Ultrasound Thyroid Biopsy?
An ultrasound guided biopsy allows the radiologist to sample the tissue in your thyroid without surgery. The thyroid gland is found in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx).
During your biopsy, the radiologist will use an ultrasound scanner to accurately guide a needle to the site of the biopsy. The needle will then be used to remove a sample of tissue. The tissue samples are sent to the pathologist for diagnosis.
Why is it done?
A thyroid biopsy is done to:
- Find the cause of a lump found in the thyroid gland. Lumps in the thyroid gland may be found during a physical examination or seen on a thyroid ultrasound test or radioactive thyroid scan.
- Find the cause of a goiter. Symptoms of a goiter include breathing and swallowing problems, paralyzed vocal cords, a feeling of fullness in the neck, and weight loss.
How do I prepare for a thyroid biopsy?
There are no diet restrictions, eat and drink as usual. Take your usual medications on the day of your appointment.
How is the procedure performed?
Your skin will be cleaned with betadine before the radiologist administers lidocaine, a local anesthetic that will numb an area about the size of a quarter. Several tissue samples will be obtained. We typically take three samples. As the samples are taken, you will feel the radiologist moving the needle. During the procedure you will be informed about what is occuring. Some people experience pain to the jaw or the ear - this is normal. If you experience discomfort during the procedure, the radiologist can administer more local anesthetic.
What happens after the procedure?
- Take a non-aspirin pain reliever like tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc., if you experience any discomfort.
- You should be able to drive or return to work following your biopsy.
