Thyroid Biopsy

A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the thyroid gland for examination under a microscope. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck that is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.

There are different types of thyroid biopsies, but the most common one is called a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. During an FNA biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into the thyroid gland to collect a small sample of cells or tissue. This procedure is often guided by ultrasound to ensure accurate placement of the needle.

Indications 

Thyroid biopsy is typically recommended when there are suspicious nodules or lumps detected in the thyroid gland. The goal of the biopsy is to determine whether the nodule is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The results of the biopsy can help guide further treatment decisions, such as surgery, radiation, or monitoring.

Preparation

Preparation for a thyroid biopsy may involve the following:

• Routine blood work and a review of your medical history
• A review of your medication list, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs
• You may be asked to temporarily discontinue medications such as blood thinners, as these can increase the risk of bleeding during the biopsy
• Normally, there are no restrictions on eating or drinking before the procedure
• You should wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry from around the neck to facilitate the biopsy

Biopsy procedure

A thyroid biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure and is often done in an office setting. In general, the procedure may involve the following steps:

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie down on an examination table, usually with your neck hyperextended to expose the thyroid area.
• The skin over the thyroid area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
• In many cases, a local anesthetic is injected into the skin first to numb the biopsy area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
• An ultrasound gel is applied over the neck area, and using ultrasound guidance, a thin, hollow needle is then inserted through the skin and into the thyroid nodule.
• A syringe attached to the needle will use gentle suction to remove a small piece of tissue from the nodule.
• The needle is carefully withdrawn and the collected tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Postoperative care

After the procedure, you may be observed for a short period. If a local anesthetic was used, you may be advised to avoid eating or drinking until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury to the mouth or throat. Some neck discomfort at the site of the biopsy is expected following the procedure. Pain medications and ice compresses can be used to relieve discomfort. Most patients typically leave feeling well.

Results

The results of the biopsy are usually available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you and determine any necessary follow-up or treatment based on the results. Abnormal results could mean:

• Thyroid disease, such as a goiter or thyroiditis
• Noncancerous tumors
• Thyroid cancer

Risks and Complications

A thyroid biopsy is generally considered safe and carries minimal risks. These include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Nerve damage
• Allergic reaction

Summary

A thyroid biopsy is crucial for diagnosing thyroid conditions and is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team, follow their recommendations, and ask any questions you may have about the procedure.