Thyroid Biopsy

It happens that a small percentage of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancer. It is important to identify a cancerous nodule as soon as possible so that the patient can begin treatment quickly. Not everyone who has a thyroid nodule needs a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Your healthcare provider may start with an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan of your neck. Besides fine needle aspiration thyroid biopsy, there are other thyroid biopsy methods such as core needle biopsy, surgical biopsy.

The concerned physician may perform the biopsy with the help of an ultrasound machine. This machine utilizes high-frequency sound waves to offer an ongoing image of the nodule.

It also prevents damage to other structures. A gel-like substance will be applied to your neck, where the ultrasound detector will be used.

After cleaning the area, your physician will insert the thin, fine needle into your thyroid gland. This may hurt a little.

The needle attaches to a syringe that can apply suction and remove some cells from the nodule. After the removal of the needle, these cells will be placed on a slide.

Your concerned physician might repeat this procedure a few times to obtain different samples from different parts of the nodule.

The biopsy site might be sore for a day or two after the procedure. You can take over-the-counter pain medicines if you need to.

The doctor sometimes suggests thyroid hormone pills. These can sometimes decrease the likelihood of nodules growing back.