Thyroid Ultrasound

What is thyroid ultrasound?

Thyroid ultrasonography (US) is a radiation-free and painless imaging method that uses sound waves to examine the size and structure of the thyroid gland located in the neck and masses such as nodules or cysts.

Why is thyroid ultrasound performed?

Thyroid ultrasound is requested when an abnormality is detected in blood tests, when there is a palpable mass/swelling in the neck, or to evaluate and follow up thyroid nodules for their structure, size and cancer risk. This radiation-free method is also used to image inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) and goiter.

Who is thyroid ultrasound performed on?

Thyroid ultrasound can be performed on patients who have pain in the thyroid area or notice swelling there, in whom a nodule is found in the thyroid gland during examination, or whose blood tests reveal thyroid dysfunction.

Is there radiation in thyroid ultrasound?

Ultrasound examinations use high-frequency sound waves. Therefore ultrasound is a radiation-free examination.

Can thyroid ultrasound be performed at any age?

As with other ultrasound examinations, thyroid ultrasound contains no radiation and can therefore be safely performed on patients of any age.

Is any preparation required for thyroid ultrasound?

No prior preparation is needed for a thyroid ultrasound.

How is thyroid ultrasound performed?

The patient is prepared so that the neck and under-chin area are exposed. They lie on their back on the couch and the head is tilted slightly backwards. Images are obtained by using a little gel and moving the probe over the neck region.

How many minutes does thyroid ultrasound take?

The examination takes about 15–30 minutes on average.

Is thyroid ultrasound a painful examination?

Thyroid ultrasound is painless.

What is done if a nodule is found in a thyroid ultrasound?

If a nodule is found in a thyroid ultrasound, the first and most important step is not to panic; because a very large proportion of these nodules, about 90–95%, are benign. The course of action is determined according to the ultrasound result — the structure of the nodule (cystic, solid), its size and whether it carries a cancer risk.

What does TI-RADS, used in thyroid ultrasound reports, mean?

TI-RADS stands for “Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System”. It is a scoring and classification system used in ultrasound reports to determine the cancer risk of thyroid nodules.

Should every thyroid nodule be biopsied?

Thyroid nodules are quite common and most are benign. Not every thyroid nodule needs to be biopsied. After risk assessment with ultrasound, a biopsy is recommended if a nodule suspicious for cancer is found in the thyroid gland. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy helps us distinguish malignant nodules requiring surgery from benign ones.

What is done when a suspicious nodule is found in a thyroid ultrasound?

Depending on the features of the nodule, if the nodule is assessed as high-risk, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually recommended. This procedure allows cell samples to be taken from the nodule for cytological examination. According to the biopsy result, if the nodule is benign, regular follow-up may be recommended.

Does thyroid ultrasound have any side effects or harm?

As ultrasound is an imaging method that uses sound waves and contains no radiation, there are no side effects or harm.

Can I continue my daily life after having a thyroid ultrasound?

Immediately after the thyroid ultrasound examination, patients can continue with their work and daily activities.

Is ultrasound gel harmful?

Ultrasound gel is generally water-based and has non-toxic and hygienic properties. It is easily cleaned off when applied to the skin. Ultrasound gels generally do not cause any side effects.

What should be done after a thyroid ultrasound?

After a thyroid ultrasound you can return to your daily work and activities immediately.