Ultrasound Scan For Thyroid

Dr Jesse Hu
Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Thyroid Ultrasound Scan

A thyroid ultrasound scan is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed images of the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues. These scans are pivotal in assessing the gland’s size, shape, and structure, facilitating the detection of nodules, cysts, tumours, and other irregularities.

Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy, and hormonal balance. The thyroid specialist can obtain a radiation-free, precise evaluation of thyroid health through ultrasound technology, which emits sound waves via a transducer to produce images from the echoes that bounce back from bodily tissues.

When is a Thyroid Ultrasound Scan Needed?

A thyroid ultrasound scan is primarily recommended in situations that require a closer examination of the thyroid gland, including:

Evaluating Palpable Lumps or Nodules

When lumps or nodules are detected during a physical examination, an ultrasound can provide detailed images to help determine the nature and cause of these abnormalities.

Investigating Thyroid Function Abnormalities

Abnormal results from thyroid function tests, which measure levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, may prompt further investigation through ultrasound to identify any underlying issues.

Monitoring of Known Thyroid Nodules or Conditions

Patients with previously diagnosed thyroid nodules or conditions may undergo regular ultrasound scans to monitor changes in size, appearance, or characteristics of these nodules.

Guiding Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies

Ultrasound scans are often used to guide fine-needle aspiration biopsies. A thin needle is inserted into the thyroid to collect cells for analysis during this procedure. This process helps accurately position the needle to ensure samples are taken from the right location.

Symptomatic Considerations

People experiencing symptoms such as a visible enlargement of the thyroid (goitre), difficulty swallowing, unexplained changes in voice, or symptoms suggestive of an overactive or underactive thyroid might also be candidates for a thyroid ultrasound. This diagnostic tool helps clarify the cause of these symptoms, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation of thyroid health.

Benefits and Risks of a Thyroid Ultrasound Scan

Non-invasive and Safe: Ultrasound scans are non-invasive, involving no needles or incisions, and do not use ionising radiation, making them a safe option for evaluating the thyroid gland.

High Resolution: They provide high-resolution images that allow for the detailed examination of the thyroid’s structure, enabling the detection of nodules, cysts, and other abnormalities, even when they are very small.

Guidance for Procedures: Ultrasound scans can guide fine-needle aspiration biopsies accurately, ensuring that tissue samples are taken from the correct area of the thyroid.

Real-time Imaging: This technique offers the advantage of real-time imaging, which is important for assessing the movement and characteristics of the thyroid gland and nearby structures.

Limited Interpretation in Certain Cases: While ultrasound scans are highly effective for imaging the thyroid gland, there can be limitations in interpretation, especially in distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules based solely on ultrasound characteristics.

Preparing for a Thyroid Ultrasound Scan

Preparing for a thyroid ultrasound is generally straightforward, with minimal specific requirements needed from the patient. Here are the key points to consider:

  • No Fasting Required: Unlike some other diagnostic tests, fasting is not necessary before a thyroid ultrasound. Patients can eat and drink as usual before the appointment.
  • Medication Considerations: Typically, patients can continue taking their medications as prescribed. It is important to inform the thyroid specialist about all medications and supplements being taken, as specific instructions may be given based on the person’s health conditions.

The Thyroid Ultrasound Scan Process

The process of undergoing a thyroid ultrasound scan is straightforward and involves the following steps:

Application of Gel

A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over the thyroid area. This gel helps conduct the ultrasound waves from the transducer (the handheld device used in ultrasound scans) to the skin, facilitating clearer images.

Scanning Process

The thyroid specialist or sonographer moves the transducer over the thyroid area. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues, sending signals back to a computer to create images.

Real-time Imaging

The images are displayed on a monitor in real time, allowing the sonographer to examine the thyroid gland from various angles and positions. The patient may be asked to hold their breath briefly or swallow to get better views of certain areas.

Completion of the Scan

Once the necessary images are captured, the gel is wiped off, and the patient can get dressed.

Possible Outcomes of a Thyroid Ultrasound Scan

The findings from a thyroid ultrasound scan can vary widely, depending on the initial reason for the examination. Possible outcomes include:

The ultrasound may show that the thyroid gland has a normal size, shape, and structure, with no nodules or abnormalities present.

Nodules are lumps that can vary in size and may be solid or filled with fluid. While most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), ultrasound can help assess their characteristics and determine if further evaluation is needed.

Cysts are fluid-filled nodules. The ultrasound can distinguish cysts from solid nodules and help assess whether they require further investigation.

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as goitre, can be identified through ultrasound. The scan can provide information about the size of the enlargement and whether it is associated with nodules or other thyroid abnormalities.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland, or thyroiditis, may be detected based on changes in the gland’s appearance on ultrasound.

The ultrasound can also identify other less common thyroid conditions, such as calcifications within the gland or signs of thyroid cancer.

Dr Jesse Hu

Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.

Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.

Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.

  • Surgical training at NUS School of Medicine
  • FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) Edinburgh, UK in 2014
  • Completed 2 Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowships at Oxford University Hospital, UK in 2016

Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.

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    Thyroid Ultrasound Scan

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Is a Thyroid Ultrasound Painful?

    No, a thyroid ultrasound is a painless procedure. The most discomfort patients might experience is from lying still on the examination table, with a pillow positioned under their shoulders to better expose the neck area. The application of the gel might feel cold but should not cause discomfort.

    How Long Does It Take to Get Results From a Thyroid Ultrasound?

    The timeframe for receiving results from a thyroid ultrasound varies. After the scan, the images are carefully reviewed by a thyroid specialist and a detailed report is typically prepared within a few days to a week. Your thyroid specialist will schedule a follow-up appointment or call to discuss the findings and any necessary next steps.

    Can a Thyroid Ultrasound Detect Cancer?

    A thyroid ultrasound is proficient in detecting nodules and structural abnormalities that could indicate the presence of cancer, but it does not confirm malignancy. If suspicious nodules are identified, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be recommended for a more definitive analysis. It is important to remember that the majority of thyroid nodules are benign and do not lead to cancer.