Thyroid FNA Biopsy
Minimally invasive procedure to diagnose thyroid nodules with precision and care.
What is the workup for a thyroid nodule?
A thyroid nodule workup starts with physical examination and blood work to see your thyroid functional status. If you meet the American Thyroid Association criteria for Fine needle aspiration or biopsy, you may be offered then.
How is the thyroid biopsy done?
The procedure is straightforward and done in the office. A very thin needle is used to aspirate a cell sample from the thyroid nodule utilizing an ultrasound machine. You will be given numbing medication to make you feel comfortable. Please inform your physician about any allergies to lidocaine. The procedure is relatively straightforward and does not require any advance preparation. You lie on your back with a small pillow under your shoulders to achieve the best possible positioning. While the sample is being taken using the fine needle, you may feel pressure but no pain due to numbing medication. A real-time ultrasound helps your physician to localize the nodule and watch the needle. The sample collected is then sent to a lab for microscopic evaluation. It can take from 1-4 weeks to get back the results.
What are the possible outcomes of a thyroid biopsy?
The biopsy may also result as “indeterminate”, which means that the pathologist viewed your biopsy sample and couldn’t rule in or rule out cancer. At this point, your endocrinologist may offer you a repeat biopsy, genetic testing, or surgery.
What are thyroid nodules?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-like small gland located at the base of your neck. It may have nodules which could be either solid or fluid-filled lumps that you may or may not be able to feel with your fingers. Generally, these nodules are primarily asymptomatic and are found during a doctor check-up visit or undergo radiographic imaging. Some thyroid nodules may be large enough to be visible are and may also affect swallowing or breathing because of pressure in the neighboring structures in the area.
Do thyroid nodules cause symptoms?
Most thyroid nodules are asymptomatic, however; occasionally, they may cause symptoms which may be:
- Pressing your windpipe which may cause shortness of breath
- Compressing your esophagus or feeding tube, which may result in difficulty swallowing.
- Lump could have cosmetic issues.
- patient may have a feeling of having a mass in the neck.