A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose problems with thethyroid gland.
The procedure collects cells from the thyroid to test them in the lab.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that makes hormones.
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These hormones manage the bodys energy levels, temperature, and other functions.
But your healthcare provider cant know that until a thyroid sample is examined in the lab.
You may feel a sting when the numbing medicine is injected.
If its painful, let the healthcare provider performing your test knowit should not be painful.
Youll feel pressure as they press the probe into your neck.
After the numbing medicine has worn off, you may feel slight discomfort in your neck.
There might be minor bruising or bleeding, as well.
A core needle biopsy requires a bigger needle.
A surgical biopsy is when a surgeon opens your neck and removes a piece of the thyroid gland.
They may even remove half of it.
Youd be asleep during the operation and would face a longer recovery.
Trypanophobia is a fear of needles.
It can be worrisome to face a procedure that may hurt.
It may help to practice some relaxation techniques before the procedure.
Avoid this approach if you faint at the sight of needles, though.
Other treatments for trypanophobia includecognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)and medications.
You may also be feeling anxious about getting a cancer diagnosis.
Finding a growth anywhere can be nerve-wracking as you wait for results.
Thyroid nodules are abnormal clusters of cells in the thyroid.
Nodules aremostly benign, but more tests are required to determine this.
Thyroid nodules are very common.
Ones large enough to feel with the fingers are found in up to 6% of the population.
Up to 35% of people have a nodule when imaged with ultrasound.
You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medicines a few days to a week before your biopsy.
This will decrease the risk of bleeding.
On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing, but avoid jewelry around or near your neck.
During the procedure, you may get some ultrasound gel on your clothing or jewelry.
Its water-soluble, nontoxic, and should wash out.
You will lie on your back with your head tilted backward and your neck extended.
You will be offered a pillow for under your shoulders.
Your doctor or a pathologist will do an FNA on a thyroid lesion that is readily visible.
Removing the sample itself will only take seconds.
The needle is removed, and a new needle is used to take another sample.
While the sample is taken, remain as still as possible.
Youll be asked to avoid coughing, talking, or swallowing.The sampling procedure will take less than 30 minutes.
Theyll place a bandage but no stitches.
You wont need someone to drive you home unless you were given a sedative.
you might remove the bandage after a few hours.
Side Effects and After Care
Recovery from thyroid biopsy should be quick.
You may feel soreness in your neck for one or two days.
The risks from a thyroid FNA are minimal and rare.
There might be some bleeding from the puncture site, within the thyroid, or nearby areas.
Its unlikely but possible that structures around the thyroid could be injured.
After the biopsy, the samples are examined in the lab.
Most thyroid nodules are benign.
Only about 5%of thyroid biopsies show cancer.
Thyroid biopsy results are typically categorized using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.
They might do this test if the results are unclear, indeterminate, or suspicious from the pathology exam.
The test looks forBRAF,RET/PTC, or NTRKgene changes.
These changes would indicate cancer but may also mean that targeted treatment could work well.
Summary
A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose issues with the thyroid gland.
It involves collecting cells from the thyroid for laboratory testing.
Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous.
A biopsy is necessary to rule out cancer, though.
Fine needle aspiration (thyroid FNA) guided by ultrasound imaging is a common procedure.
Thyroid FNA is less invasive than open surgery, with minimal pain and a quick recovery.
People who fear needles (trypanophobia) may experience anxiety during an FNA.
Healthcare providers can use numbing techniques to make the procedure painless.
You will not likely need to do any special preparation on the day of the biopsy.
The procedure is quick, and you’re free to go home right after.
You may feel mild neck discomfort for one or two days.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
The risks of complications from the biopsy are minimal and rare.
The biopsy can detect if the thyroid nodule is cancerous.
It can also reveal thyroid diseases like goiter or thyroiditis.
Most thyroid nodules are benign.
Only a small percentage are cancerous.
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