Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Ultrasound - thyroid; Thyroid sonogram; Thyroid echogramDefinition Return to top
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that regulates metabolism. Ultrasound is a painless method of examining the thyroid. This test involves high-frequency sound waves that are emitted and received by a transducer (a handheld instrument), and the sound waves penetrate the body. The sound waves are arranged into an image seen on a screen, based on the way they bounce off of the various body structures.How the test is performed Return to top
The test is usually done in the ultrasound or radiology department. You will be lying down with your neck hyperextended (extending the neck beyond its usual limit). Lubricant gel is placed on your neck, and the transducer is passed over the area.How to prepare for the test Return to top
Adults:
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel Return to top
You should feel very little discomfort with this test. The conducting gel may be cold and your neck may feel stretched.Why the test is performed Return to top
Ultrasound is usually performed on the thyroid to differentiate between a cyst (a sac containing fluid) and a tumor (an abnormal tissue growth that may or may not be cancerous).Normal Values Return to top
The thyroid is of normal size, shape, and position.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may include cysts, tumors, goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland), and thyroid nodules.Your doctor can use these results and the results of other tests to direct your care.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following:
What the risks are Return to top
There are no documented risks of ultrasound. Update Date: 1/14/2003 Updated by: Benjamin Taragin, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |