Thyroid gland
Thyroid (goitre) disorders
Nodular and diffuse goitre, Hashimoto, Graves, hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis with thyroid ultrasound, FNAB biopsy and the TIRADS system; treatment with non-surgical sclerotherapy and ablation.
Diagnostics & procedures
Thyroid services
What is a thyroid ultrasound?
Thyroid ultrasound accurately assesses the structure, size of the gland and the character of nodules. No radiation, painless — it is the key first step when approaching nodules.
What is FNAB (fine-needle biopsy) for?
It is the main method to assess cancer risk in nodules. Under ultrasound guidance a fine needle takes a cell sample from the nodule; pain is barely felt.
What are sclerotherapy and ablation?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, incision-free method that quickly relieves choking and breathlessness. Ablation is used for recurrent thyroid tissue after surgery.
What you should know
Accurate information about the thyroid
Not every thyroid nodule needs a biopsy
Nodule size is not the main criterion for biopsy. What matters is correct ultrasound assessment. Even an 8 mm nodule may require biopsy if a suspicious character is found. Biopsy has no long-term complications.
Thyroid cancer risk is only 5%
90-95% of nodules are benign. When a nodule is found, the right approach is not to panic but to see an endocrinologist. Most malignant tumours are slow-growing and full recovery follows treatment.
Toxic goitre does not always need surgery
In Graves' disease, the first choice is medical therapy. With correct diagnosis and patient treatment, remission is achievable. Surgery is considered only when there are contraindications.
Subacute thyroiditis is often misdiagnosed
Subacute thyroiditis is viral, often after an upper respiratory infection. Throat pain radiating to the ear and jaw and a low-grade fever are key signs. Timely treatment leads to full recovery.
Don't rush to lifelong medication for hypothyroidism
For newly found hypothyroidism there is no need to rush. It is important to agree to further tests; otherwise lifelong hormone medication may be started in vain.
Hypothyroidism can mask heart failure
In patients with swelling, breathlessness, weakness and cardiac weakness, the thyroid should be checked. Long treatment under another diagnosis can lead to irreversible heart failure.
Conditions treated
Full list
- Nodular, diffuse goitre
- Cystic and calcified nodules
- Hypothyroidism, myxoedema
- Hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease
- Graves' ophthalmopathy
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Acute and chronic thyroiditis
- Toxic adenoma
- Ectopic thyroid
- Thyroid disease in pregnancy
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the thyroid
Is thyroid biopsy painful?
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, performed with the correct technique, is almost painless and not significantly different from a routine blood draw. It is an important and safe way to clarify the diagnosis.
Is every thyroid nodule biopsied?
No. The indication is determined by the ultrasound characteristics of the nodule, not its size. Under TIRADS, suspicious nodules are biopsied; sometimes even an 8 mm nodule with suspicious features needs biopsy.
How dangerous are thyroid nodules?
90-95% of nodules are benign; the cancer risk is about 5%. With ultrasound and blood tests most nodules are kept under observation, and only suspicious ones are clarified by biopsy.
How can surgery for a thyroid cyst be avoided?
Most thyroid cysts are safe. Non-surgical methods — sclerotherapy and ablation — are available. Pure cysts are the safest type and can be kept under observation.
Can Hashimoto's disease be fully cured?
Hashimoto's is autoimmune, so full cure usually does not apply. In the early stage, values can sometimes be normalised with diet and minerals without hormones. Dynamic monitoring is important at every stage.
Can a sore throat point to an endocrine cause?
Yes. Throat pain, especially on swallowing, can indicate thyroid disorders. In subacute thyroiditis the pain radiates to the ear and jaw. Early examination prevents more serious problems.
Book a thyroid examination
If you have swelling in the neck, a nodule, fatigue or discomfort on swallowing, an accurate diagnosis can be made with ultrasound and, if needed, FNAB.