Thyroid Biopsy
What does the procedure consist of?
Basically, a biopsy of the thyroid gland is usually done with a small thin needle that is guided through ultrasound. Through sound waves, the needle can be located on a possible abnormality that is found, such as a nodule, to extract a small sample that will then be analyzed under a microscope.
This is not an invasive procedure, unlike a surgical biopsy, so you won’t get a big scar. At the same time, you won’t have radiation exposure, so the risks are lower. This procedure does not require preparation, but it is essential that it is performed by specialized medical personnel.
During this thyroid biopsy, a small sample is absorbed. In case you don’t know, the thyroid is located in the front position of the neck (if you’re a lady, it’s above the neckline). Generally, a nodule is tested to assess whether there is a risk that it is malignant.
Biopsy of the thyroid gland is recommended when you want to find out the underlying cause of a nodule in the gland. After specialized diagnostic imaging work, it can be found out if the nodule is benign or if it has a pathology that needs to be treated.
Details of what you need to know about the process
First, the equipment that will be used is that of a fine needle, with a much smaller diameter than those used in blood draws. It is even common to see them made with syringes. If you’re scared or shocked, try to prepare, although it will be very quick.
Thanks to the ultrasound, the location of the needle can be found within the thyroid nodule, so that a correct sample can be taken from the area you need to evaluate. It is worth mentioning that ultrasound is based on the work of a computer and a transducer, which is the portable device that has a shape similar to a microphone.
The sound waves are sent by transducers that pick up the echoes that return from inside the body. Once this is done, the specialist will put a gel on the area to be examined and there he will place the aforementioned transducer.
The gel allows the waves to “travel” quickly, without complications in between. Immediately, you will be able to see the image on the computer monitor. This helps the doctor see that everything is in good condition.
The biopsy procedure
Under this procedure, the doctor inserts the needle through the skin, until it reaches the interior of a certain nodule that is located in the thyroid; thanks to the work of ultrasound. Once this is done, a small sample of the cells to be analysed is obtained, which will then be sent to a pathologist’s specialised analysis.
The radiologist will be in charge of aspirating the needles and ultrasound, so you should not be afraid, as they have the proper experience. If it is an aspiration biopsy, you should know that it is a completely outpatient procedure, although some issues should be taken into account.
The preparation
The neck will always have to be cleaned with an antiseptic, in order to avoid infections. If you are fragile to pain, ask for painkillers. Although that will depend on the professional’s criteria. Then, as we have mentioned, the gel soluble in sterile water is applied.
The radiologist’s job will be to apply the needle to the nodule, moving it to the location where it is located; to obtain or take a sample of it. Thanks to the guidance provided by the live images, the task will be simple. If more samples are needed, an extra needle may be inserted.
Depending on your blood circulation, the area is likely to bleed more or less. In no case will a suture be needed. Although it is possible that some bandage will have to be applied. It is always recommended that pressure be applied to reduce the normal bleeding generated by the procedure, which takes less than half an hour.
Are there any consequences of this treatment?
To avoid risks and make the small operation simpler for the professional, you will have to be on your back with a pillow under your shoulders. The head should always be leaning back, with the neck relaxed and extended. Thus, access to the thyroid gland will be much simpler.
It’s normal to feel pressure in your neck, especially from the transducer that handles the ultrasound. As for the needle, it will depend on your tolerance to pain, although it may hurt a little when you have to do the extraction to get the cells. It’s not a pain you won’t be able to bear, so you can rest assured.
It is important not to cough, sneeze, swallow or talk during the procedure, in order to avoid possible errors. Once it’s over, you should rest for a while before returning to your normal activities. It is common for the area to be sore. If it bothers you, you can take medication to reduce swelling.
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The importance of a good biopsy
As the days go by, you will receive the diagnosis from the pathologist. It is important that you do not stay only with that opinion, but that you contrast it with other professionals. Generally, the results are 97% accurate, so there should be no errors in the sample, although it is likely that the medical analysis is wrong.
In short, thyroid biopsy is an excellent procedure to do when you have doubts about the possibility of a malignant nodule. It is not painful or too exposed, so you will be able to clarify all your doubts quickly. Remember: a good biopsy can save lives.
