Thyroid Biopsy

In this test, a sample of the thyroid gland is taken for microscopic analysis. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck that is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism. There are 2 types of thyroid biopsy: needle biopsy and open biopsy. In the first situation, a needle is introduced into the gland in order to remove a small section of the gland. In an open biopsy, a sample of thyroid tissue is removed through a surgical incision made in the skin. The needle biopsy seems to be the procedure of choice.

Patients who require a thyroid biopsy usually have had a nodule detected by a thyroid scan. The goal is to definitively diagnose a potential cancer. This test is performed most often using local anesthesia. Sedative medications given intravenously are also used.

***** REMEMBER *****

1. General anesthesia is rarely used for this procedure. However, the risk (death) associated with general anesthesia is less than 1 in 3,000.

2. There is a low risk of bleeding into the gland after the procedure. Bleeding is much less common, if the "skinny needle" is utilized.

3. Bacterial infection is a rare complication.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology