Thyroid ultrasound is a test to evaluate the thyroid gland in the neck. Thyroid ultrasound is the most useful test to detect abnormalities in the thyroid gland, goiter or nodules. Thyroid cancer is also detected with this ultrasound test.
Thyroid ultrasound is an examination performed by placing a small part of the ultrasound device called a probe on your neck as shown in the picture, sending sound waves and seeing the image of these sound waves on the computer screen.
Since sound waves are used for thyroid ultrasound, it can also be performed safely in pregnant women. Thyroid ultrasound also has an important place in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
Goiter: There are two types: diffuse goiter and nodular goiter. The main symptom of this disease is an overgrowth of the thyroid gland. If there is a nodule, it is necessary to see radiology specialists once every 6 months to check for malignant transformation.
Thyroiditis: It is a non-microbial inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is autoimmune, meaning that antibodies produced by the person's own immune system attack their own cells. It can also occur during pregnancy. Thyroiditis may occur due to hereditary reasons.
For example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thyroiditis caused by Hashimoto's disease needs to be closely monitored. If nodules form in thyroiditis caused by Hashimoto's disease, a change for the worse may occur. Therefore, follow-up is important.
Thyroid cancer can also be diagnosed with thyroid ultrasound.
Papillary Thyroid Ca: Although it is defined as thyroid cancer, it is a relatively benign type of cancer. It can be detected by experienced specialist doctors during ultrasound performed to examine the thyroid gland.
If it is detected during thyroid ultrasound, the diagnosis should be confirmed by thyroid biopsy.
Follicular Thyroid Ca: This type of thyroid cancer, usually seen in women over the age of fifty, is a much more aggressive type of cancer.
It is the most malignant cancer type of the thyroid gland. Cancer that starts here tends to progress towards the lymph nodes. If detected during thyroid ultrasound, a thyroid biopsy is absolutely necessary for definitive diagnosis.