Thyroid ultrasound is a painless examination since the ultrasounds are sound waves of high frequency. It consists of the illustrative examination chosen for thyroid diseases and parathyroid glands, while the usefulness in assessing cervical lymph nodes and salivary glands is important.
Frequent Questions
What is the Thyroid ultrasound?
Thyroid ultrasound is a painless examination since the ultrasounds are sound waves of high frequency. It consists of the illustrative examination chosen for thyroid diseases and parathyroid glands, while the usefulness in assessing cervical lymph nodes and salivary glands is important.
When should the exam take place?
The reasons in which an endocrinologist or a pathologist requests this exam is for spotting any swelling in the cervix or if there is a suspicion of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism due to the presence of symptoms such as dehydration, nervousness, great weight gain or loss, tiredness, bulging eyes).
What does the thyroid gland test show us?
- The dimensions of the thyroid gland
- Whether or not the parenchyma is homogeneous (its texture)
- The presence of masses
Normal situations where the ultrasound diagnoses nodular bronchitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, neoplasia etc. Through the ultrasound of the thyroid, adenomas of parathyroid glands are also diagnosed.
How often should the thyroid ultrasound be conducted?
The frequency is according to the medical history of the patient but is also based on the family medical history although the examination can be repeated again and again according to the instructions of the doctor with no fear or any harm being present.
What is the preparation of the exam and how long does it last?
There isn’t any specific preparation needed for conducting the exam. The duration of the exam is around 15 minutes.