Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used to take images of the neck and thyroid gland using sound waves. The patient lies on their back, stretching they neck back. The technician will put a gel on the neck, then move a transducer (wand) over the area. The transducer gives of sound waves that are transmitted to a computer. The pattern formed produces an image.
This procedure is usually performed on patients who have a growth on the thyroid gland or when the thyroid gland feels larger than it should during a routine exam.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
An FNA biopsy uses a needle to extract thyroid cells and test them for thyroid disease or thyroid cancer. Although this procedure uses a needle, it is not painful, but you may experience discomfort.
For both ultrasound and FNA, results will be given to you at the time of your test.