The process of removing parts from the thyroid nodule located in the thyroid gland is called a thyroid biopsy. Thyroid nodules appear during a routine examination or an ultrasound examination. Thyroid nodules with a size under 1cm are difficult to detect by examination and are often not noticeable from the outside.
Thyroid biopsies are performed daily to find out if nodules are cancerous. But less than 10% of all thyroid nodules are cancer.
In What Cases Is a Thyroid Biopsy Performed?
When a thyroid nodule is detected, a biopsy is performed if there is a suspicion of cancer. A complete physical examination and detailed laboratory evaluation for other thyroid diseases should be performed first.
How is a Thyroid Biopsy Performed?
A thyroid biopsy, also known as a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy, is a relatively easy procedure that can be performed in seconds by experienced interventional radiologists. After the thyroid region in the neck is numbed with local anesthesia painlessly, a fine needle is inserted into the desired location of the thyroid gland accompanied by ultrasound. Sample cells are taken with a needle in different parts of the nodule in the thyroid gland and sent to the pathology laboratory by spreading to the lam.
What Should the Patient Do After a Thyroid Biopsy?
The pain felt during the biopsy procedure is instantaneous and passes after the procedure. Rarely, a slight feeling of discomfort may occur in patients. After the procedure, pressure is applied to the biopsy area with a gauze or sterile cloth for about 20 minutes. At the end of this period, no bandaging is required. Paying attention to the biopsy area one day in terms of infection will be appropriate.
What are the Complications of Thyroid Biopsy?
Complications such as infection, cyst formation, bleeding, etc., may be observed after the biopsy. However, the occurrence of these complications is very rare with the proper technique and approach.
We wish you healthy days
Assist. Assoc. Dr. Nertila Cevheroglu
Radiology Specialist
Medlife Medical Center
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