What is thyroid ultrasound?
Thyroid ultrasound is a test that uses ultrasound to detect the presence of nodules, define their morphology, know their size and classify the type of structure, as well as to evaluate thyroid alterations.
What does it consist of?
Thyroid ultrasound is performed with the help of an ultrasound scanner, an instrument that emits ultrasound and provides the desired information about the thyroid tissue. The ultrasound is placed on the skin of the neck area where the thyroid is located and where a gel specially designed for this type of test has been previously applied. It lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, no preparations of any kind are necessary and it can be performed in patients of any age as well as in pregnant women.
The ultrasound is used in the patient’s neck area to examine the thyroid gland.
Why is it performed?
Thyroid ultrasound is performed to diagnose and monitor certain diseases of the thyroid gland, such as malignant tumors. Individuals suspected of having thyroid disease should undergo this test because it helps to understand the volume of the thyroid and its lesions, detects elements of a malignant nature, and selects lesions for future biopsy.