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Thyroid and neck ultrasound
Short answer
Thyroid ultrasound is a radiation-free and painless examination that shows the size and structure of the thyroid gland, along with its nodules and cysts. Dr. Shirvan Zekeriyeyev performs the ultrasound personally at the appointment and evaluates the nature of the nodules (TIRADS). In the doctor's words: “A correct ultrasound examination is worth its weight in gold in diagnosing the thyroid gland.”
Schematic — not a real scan image
In the doctor's practice
- Accuracy. “Thyroid ultrasound is an accurate and highly informative examination method. When done correctly, it helps make an accurate diagnosis of structural changes in the thyroid gland on the spot.”
- Nodule size is not the main criterion. “The size of a nodule in the thyroid gland is no longer that important for a biopsy or other procedures. The most important thing is the correct opinion of the doctor who diagnoses the nodule with ultrasound.”
- Neck ultrasound. “Neck ultrasound is a very sensitive examination, and it is essential that it be comprehensive.” In one case, a swelling on the left side of the neck, present for many years and never diagnosed, turned out on neck ultrasound to be a lymph node of thyroid origin.
- Ectopic thyroid. The diagnosis of thyroid tissue located outside its normal place can in most cases be made with a simple ultrasound.
- A correct examination protects against wrong treatment. One patient had been told elsewhere that there were “many nodules” in both lobes of the thyroid, and a biopsy and surgery had been recommended. On a repeat examination, it was explained that there were no nodules, and treatment was started. Another patient came for a biopsy: it was explained that a biopsy was not needed and that the image was caused by a disease left untreated, and treatment was started.
What is looked at in an ultrasound report
Suspicious signs listed by the doctor
- the nodule is markedly hypoechoic;
- uneven (indented and protruding) margins, or a border that cannot be traced;
- microcalcifications inside it;
- central blood flow;
- height (thickness) greater than width;
- a thick halo;
- rapid growth.
When such signs are present, a decision to do a biopsy may be made → Thyroid FNA (fine-needle biopsy)
General information
TIRADS
a system that divides nodules into risk groups based on their ultrasound appearance; higher categories indicate a need for biopsy. In the doctor's posts, biopsies of nodules classified as TIRADS-5 and EU-TIRADS-5 are described.
Q&A
My ultrasound report says “nodule.” Is this dangerous?
About 90–95% of nodules found in the thyroid are benign. The endocrinologist who performs the ultrasound evaluates the nature of the nodule. A biopsy is recommended only for nodules that look suspicious.