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Hello, I’m Dr. Geoffrey Rubin, a radiologist at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. I’d like to talk with you about ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid also known as an image-guided thyroid biopsy.
Thyroid nodules are sometimes found during routine physical exams or imaging studies. Unfortunately, these tests can’t always tell us whether a nodule is benign. That’s why a biopsy may be performed to remove tissue samples for examination under a microscope.
Thyroid biopsy uses ultrasound imaging – also known as sonography – to help locate a nodule and remove tissue samples using a very thin needle. Sonography uses a probe or transducer to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the inside of your thyroid.
If you’re scheduled for an ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsy, there are several things you can do to prepare.
First, wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave any jewelry at home. You may be asked to remove your shirt or blouse and to wear a gown. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially aspirin or blood thinners.
Ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy and can be performed in less than 30 minutes. Plus, the procedure is extremely safe and does not use radiation, and can reliably provide tissue samples to show whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
For more information about thyroid biopsy, visit Radiology Info dot org.
Thank you for your time!
