Thyroid gland ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based diagnostic procedure used to visualize the structure, size, and possible abnormalities of the thyroid gland in detail. This examination is widely used in endocrinology to assess thyroid health and diagnose various thyroid disorders.

What is a Thyroid Ultrasound?

A thyroid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that reflect off thyroid tissues and create real-time images on a monitor. During the examination, the size, shape, contours, parenchymal structure, blood flow, and the presence of nodules or other focal lesions are evaluated. Surrounding cervical lymph nodes, which may be associated with thyroid diseases, are also examined. This method allows for accurate assessment of the number, size, structure (solid, cystic, or mixed), and vascular characteristics of thyroid nodules, which are important in determining their nature.

When is a Thyroid Ultrasound Performed?

A thyroid ultrasound may be recommended in the presence of various symptoms or suspicions of thyroid dysfunction or structural abnormalities. The examination is often performed to:

• Determine the causes of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland.
• Detect and evaluate thyroid nodules, cysts, or other focal abnormalities.
• Monitor the progression of previously diagnosed thyroid nodules.
• Diagnose inflammatory thyroid diseases (thyroiditis).
• Assess the thyroid gland in cases of neck swelling or discomfort.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness.
• Perform ultrasound-guided biopsy (fine-needle aspiration) of thyroid nodules.

Benefits of Thyroid Ultrasound

Thyroid ultrasound is a safe, painless, and quick examination that requires no special patient preparation. It does not involve ionizing radiation, making it suitable for repeated use when monitoring disease progression or treatment outcomes. This method provides detailed information about the structure of the thyroid gland, enabling endocrinologists to accurately diagnose a wide range of thyroid conditions, including both benign and malignant tumors, and to select the most appropriate treatment strategy.

About the Examination

Ultrasound is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic method used to examine internal tissues and organs with the help of sound waves. The procedure is quick, harmless, and has no known side effects. The examination is performed using an ultrasound machine consisting of a transducer and a monitor. As the transducer is moved over the skin, ultrasound waves are reflected by the body's tissues and converted into electrical signals, creating images on the screen. This allows the physician to visualize internal organs without invading the body.

Who Is This Examination Intended For?

Ultrasound examinations may be recommended to evaluate the heart, thyroid gland, abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen), urinary system (kidneys, bladder, post-void residual urine), prostate, breasts, lymph nodes, joints, as well as various types of pain, lumps, masses, or other abnormalities.

For older adults, it is advisable to undergo a preventive ultrasound examination once a year.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Examination

Abdominal Ultrasound

• Gallbladder examination: Do not eat for approximately 4 hours before the examination.
• Pancreas and spleen examination:
  • Avoid foods that may cause bloating (such as dark bread, apples, plums, peas, beer, etc.) for 24 hours before the examination.
  • Take anti-bloating medication approximately 8 hours before the examination.

Urinary System and Reproductive Organ Ultrasound

• Drink fluids before the examination. The bladder should be full during the procedure.

No special preparation is required for other ultrasound examinations.

What Happens During the Examination?

An ultrasound examination may be performed by placing a transducer on the skin over the area being examined or through natural body openings. For examinations performed through the skin, the patient usually lies on their back. Depending on the organ being examined, the physician may ask you to stand, turn onto your side, or lie on your stomach. A special water-based gel is applied to the skin to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer, ensuring more accurate imaging. The physician then places the transducer against the skin and moves it over the area of interest to obtain detailed images on the monitor.

When ultrasound is performed through natural body openings:

• During transesophageal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart.
• During transrectal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the rectum to examine the prostate gland.
• During transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the vagina to examine the uterus and ovaries.

After the Examination

Your physician will discuss the examination results with you and recommend any necessary treatment.