Why is this procedure done?
Your thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. This gland helps regulate your metabolism. A biopsy is done if you have a lump or nodule on your thyroid. It is also done if your thyroid is bigger than it should be. ‚
During a thyroid biopsy, a small sample of cells is taken from the thyroid. A biopsy looks at cells that are not normal. Your doctor will be looking to see if the cells are from an infection, cancer, or other medical reason. ‚
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What will the results be?
The biopsy may help your doctor decide what kind of problem you are having with your thyroid. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order blood tests.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your back. The staff will place a pillow under your shoulders. This will help to extend your neck.
- The doctor will clean your skin and give a numbing drug to the area where the doctor will take the biopsy.
- The doctor may put a thin hollow needle into the lump. This will let your doctor get a sample of tissue to send to the lab. This is called a fine needle aspiration. Other times, the doctor makes a small cut over your thyroid and uses a larger needle. This is a coarse needle biopsy.
- This process may be repeated in other parts of the lump.
- The procedure will take 10 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will apply pressure to stop any bleeding. They also cover the skin with a clean bandage. Stitches may be needed to close some cut sites.
- You can go home right after the test.
- You may be given drugs to help with pain and to prevent infection.
- Ask your doctor when the results of the biopsy will be available. If you have stitches, ask your doctor when they will be removed.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. It often takes at least 3 days before the biopsy results are ready. The results will help your doctor know what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain, bleeding, or infection of the biopsy site
- Scarring
- Damage to the thyroid
Where can I learn more?
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=thyroidbiopsy ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚