Echocardiography

• Thyroid nodules: To evaluate the size, shape, and composition of thyroid nodules and to determine whether they are solid or contain fluid.
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter): to assess the size and structure of the thyroid gland if there is swelling or enlargement.
• Abnormal thyroid function: If there are symptoms or blood tests suggest problems with thyroid function, ultrasound may provide additional information.
• Neck pain or tenderness: To identify possible causes of thyroid discomfort or pain.
• Monitoring existing cysts or nodules: To track changes in size or appearance over time.

How to perform a thyroid ultrasound:

Thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless procedure that involves using ultrasound to create images of the thyroid gland. Here’s how it’s typically performed:

• Patient preparation: Usually no special preparation is necessary before ultrasound. You may need to remove your neck jewelry and sit or sit in a comfortable position on the exam table.
• Gel application: A conductive gel is applied to the skin of the neck to facilitate ultrasound transmission and obtain clear images. The gel is cool but does not cause significant discomfort.
• Use of the transducer: A device called a transducer, which emits ultrasound, is placed on the skin of the neck and moved to get different angles of view of the thyroid gland.
• Image capture: Ultrasound images are generated in real time on the computer screen, allowing the doctor to evaluate the size, shape, structure and other features of the thyroid gland.
• Examination for lumps or other changes: If there are lumps or other suspicious changes, the doctor may examine these areas in more detail and decide whether a biopsy is necessary.
• The thyroid ultrasound procedure typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and the patient can return to normal activities immediately afterward.

What are the limitations of thyroid ultrasound?

Although thyroid ultrasound is a useful imaging modality for evaluating the thyroid gland, it does have some limitations. Here are some of them:

• Inability to assess thyroid function: Ultrasound provides detailed images of the structure of the thyroid gland, but does not provide information about thyroid function. To assess thyroid function, the doctor may recommend additional blood tests, such as thyroid hormone levels.
• Inability to differentiate certain lesions: Ultrasound can identify lumps or other lesions, but it can’t always tell with certainty whether they are cancerous or benign. To make this distinction, a biopsy may be necessary.
• Sometimes changes in tissue composition (such as the presence of nodules) or anatomical differences in the patient may mean that certain areas of the thyroid gland are not clearly visualized.
• Need for expertise in image interpretation: Correct interpretation of ultrasound images requires expertise. A thyroid ultrasound should be interpreted by a well-trained professional in the field, usually a radiologist or endocrinologist.
• Limitations in detecting some types of thyroid cancers: Certain types of thyroid cancers may not be clearly visible on imaging or may be mistaken for other conditions. In these cases other tests, such as biopsy, may be needed for further evaluation.