MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Thyroid ultrasound

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Thyroid ultrasound

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test	How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Thyroid ultrasound

Alternative names Return to top

Ultrasound - thyroid; Thyroid sonogram; Thyroid echogram

Definition 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:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

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.

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