Some people get a thyroid ultrasound because a small bump was noted in the region.
You might get the test if other tests results are abnormal, like athyroid function test.
Sometimes thyroid ultrasounds are used for screening.
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Or this might be the case if youve previously had radiation therapy applied to that part of your body.
They release parathyroid hormone, which is very important for regulating calcium in the body.
Other Imaging Methods
Ultrasound has largely replaced a previous mode of imaging the thyroid called thyroid scintigraphy.
This is a pop in of medical imaging that requires taking radioactive iodine.
Other imaging tests are used to look at the thyroid gland, but not as commonly as ultrasound.
These tests are all more expensive than ultrasound.
Unlike ultrasound, CT and PET scans do require radiation exposure as well.
This information is compiled by a computer to produce the ultrasound images, which appear on a screen.
Many people are most familiar with ultrasound from its use during pregnancy.
Risks and Contraindications
Thyroid ultrasounds are very safe and cause no known complications.
The sound waves used to create the ultrasound image cause no known side effects.
In fact, one of the advantages of ultrasound over some other imaging techniques is its safety record.
Most of these nodules are harmless, and extra investigation and treatment may be unnecessary.
That will make it less likely that a harmless nodule detected on ultrasound would lead to unnecessary treatments.
Timing
Typically, the painless procedure only takes a few minutes.
You should bring your paperwork and health insurance card.
Preparation
Thyroid ultrasound does not require any preparation on the part of the patient.
you’re able to take your medications and eat and drink normally ahead of time.
If necessary, it’s possible for you to change into a gown.
Youll need to remove anything that might block access to your neck, like a necklace.
Or, it may be performed by a sonographer, a health professional trained in diagnostic ultrasound.
Thyroid ultrasound may be performed with the person reclining, but it can also be done while seated.
The chin is tilted back to allow the front of the neck to be extended.
This may feel a little cold at first.
you’re free to ask your healthcare provider about whether to expect this.
The clinician may move the transducer around a bit, to get a thorough view of the thyroid gland.
You might be asked to swallow or bear down to help get a better image.
The ultrasound can show if such an area is solid or filled with fluid.
Once the ultrasound is complete, the gel can be wiped away from the area.
Simultaneous Tests
Sometimes, thyroid ultrasound is combined with thyroid biopsy (also calledfine-needle aspirationor FNA).
A biopsy might also be needed for a particularly large nodule.
Thyroid ultrasound is sometimes combined with thyroid therapies as well.
After the Test
There is no recovery time needed after a thyroid ultrasound test.
Youll be able to go about your business as usual.
No follow-up may be needed.
But further tests or procedures might be necessary, depending on the context.
In other words, it wont tell you if you have hyperthyroidism orhypothyroidism.
However, other clinical symptoms and tests can help distinguish the two.
Sometimes, ultrasound alone cannot determine whether a nodule is cancerous.
This is often done in conjunction with another thyroid ultrasound.
If you do have thyroid cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery or another treatment strategy.
A Word From Verywell
Examination of the thyroid via ultrasound is a painless and fairly quick process.
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