Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow, providing valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not involve radiation, making it a safe and widely used imaging modality in healthcare.
At Endocrinology Consultants, PC, ultrasound is used for imaging the thyroid and neck. Minimal preparation is required, though some patients may need to stop taking blood-thinning medication before the procedure.
How Do You Prepare for a Thyroid Ultrasound?
Preparation instructions for a thyroid ultrasound may vary. Generally, preparations for thyroid ultrasound may include:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted to allow access to the area being examined.
- Specific instructions: Follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the imaging facility.
Why Are Thyroid Ultrasounds Done?
Thyroid ultrasounds evaluate the structure and size of the thyroid gland and assess any abnormalities or conditions affecting it. Common reasons for performing a thyroid ultrasound include:
- Investigating the presence of thyroid nodules (growths or lumps in the thyroid gland).
- Assessing the size and characteristics of thyroid nodules, including whether they are solid or fluid-filled (cystic).
- Monitoring the growth or changes in thyroid nodules over time.
- Evaluating the thyroid gland for conditions such as thyroiditis, goiter, or thyroid cancer.
- Guiding procedures like fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for further evaluation of suspicious thyroid nodules.
Thyroid ultrasounds are valuable for diagnosing and monitoring thyroid conditions, providing detailed information about the structure and function of the thyroid gland.
What Can You Expect?
During a thyroid ultrasound, you can expect the following:
- Positioning: You will lie down on an examination table with your neck extended slightly backward to allow better access to the thyroid gland.
- Gel Application: A clear, water-based gel will be applied to your neck to help the ultrasound transducer make better contact with your skin and transmit sound waves.
- Imaging: The ultrasound technologist will gently move the transducer over your neck, capturing images of the thyroid gland on a monitor.
- Sounds: You may hear a slight buzzing or whirring sound as the ultrasound machine creates images of your thyroid.
Instructions: The technologist may ask you to change positions or hold your breath briefly to obtain different views of the thyroid gland. - Duration: The procedure is typically painless and non-invasive, usually taking about 10-30 minutes to complete.
After the ultrasound, a physician will review the images and provide a report to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Follow-Up and Recovery
Recovery after a thyroid ultrasound is immediate since the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve any incisions or anesthesia. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the ultrasound without any restrictions.
Potential Risks
Thyroid ultrasounds are considered safe and non-invasive procedures with minimal risks. However, some potential risks, though rare, include:
- Discomfort or pain during the procedure, especially if pressure is applied to the neck area.
- Rare instances of allergic reactions to the ultrasound gel used during the procedure.
Related Procedures
If the thyroid ultrasound reveals nodules that require further testing, a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) may be necessary. An FNA uses an ultrasound machine and an extremely small needle to acquire samples from within the nodules to determine if there are other disease processes you may be at risk for.