An ultrasound of the thyroid is a type of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to provide detailed images of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This gland plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body by producing hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
What is an ultrasound of the thyroid?
What is the primary purpose of a thyroid ultrasound?
- The primary purpose of a thyroid ultrasound is to assess the structure and health of the thyroid gland.
- It helps in identifying and evaluating various thyroid conditions, including nodules, goiter, thyroiditis, cysts, and tumors.
How does the procedure work?
The patient typically lies down with the neck extended, exposing the thyroid area.
A clear gel is applied to the skin over the thyroid to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
- Look for additional nodules in patients with one or more nodules felt on physical exam
- See if a thyroid nodule has substantially grown over time
- Identifying and characterising thyroid nodules: Ultrasound can help determine the size, location, and composition of nodules, aiding in distinguishing between benign and malignant ones.
What is the FNAC guidance?
Ultrasound is often used to guide fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of suspicious nodules. This involves using a thin needle to extract a small tissue sample for further analysis.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound is generally considered a safe imaging technique with no exposure to ionising radiation. Ultrasound uses no radiation to take images of the inside of your body, unlike CT scans and x-ray studies. Innocent sound waves are used in ultrasound.
Conclusion
Thyroid ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic technique for thyroid conditions. At our ultrasound centre, Dr. Shairy Goyal, a renowned radiologist in Gurgaon, can make well-informed judgements on additional testing, treatment approaches, and thyroid condition monitoring with the use of the procedure’s precise photos.
Based on your medical history and the intended use of the test, we will offer you special instructions if you are scheduled for a thyroid ultrasound at our ultrasound clinic in Gurgaon.