Thyroid ultrasound procedure

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Viet Thu - Doctor of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Thyroid ultrasound is an imaging technique performed by an ultrasound machine with the aim of diagnosing thyroid diseases or related neck conditions.

1. Diagnosis of thyroid disease

The thyroid is an organ located in front of the neck trachea that is shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid gland is responsible for making thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's activities. Usually, it is difficult for patients to self-diagnose thyroid diseases. It is estimated that 5-10% of thyroid nodules or tumors in adults are detected through routine physical examination. Thyroid ultrasound is one of the most used techniques for the preliminary diagnosis of thyroid diseases.

2. When is the thyroid ultrasound?

Usually, the clinician will prescribe thyroid ultrasound when the following diseases are suspected:
Goiter, Basedow, enlarged lymph nodes or neck tumor. Neck pain, acute and chronic thyroiditis. Unexplained weight loss, intellectual disability. Neck injury or physical examination.

3. Thyroid ultrasound procedure

3.1 What to prepare for thyroid ultrasound ● Performing staff
- Radiologists.
- The technician or nurse supports and records the results to help the doctor, return the results to the patient.
● Equipment and supplies
- Ultrasound machine and ultrasonic photo printer.
- Computer, printer returns results.
- Ultrasound gel, sterile gloves for doctors and some necessary items during thyroid ultrasound.
● Patient
Usually when doing thyroid ultrasound, the patient does not need to fast or prepare like other specific tests. Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to facilitate the ultrasound process.
3.2. Procedure for performing thyroid ultrasound ● Medical staff receive the order form, check patient information, review and determine the area that needs ultrasound, explain the thyroid ultrasound procedure to the patient to understand and coordinated implementation.
● The patient is instructed to lie supine on the bed, arms down to the legs, legs straight, because thyroid ultrasound is performed in the neck area, the patient will be asked to perform a moderately flexed neck position, if necessary. The patient will be padded with a pillow.
The doctor applies the gel on the transducer and performs the thyroid-parathyroid ultrasound technique through ultrasound cuts, possibly ultrasound in other positions such as lying on the side, side, depending on the case. prescribed by a medical doctor.
● During thyroid ultrasound, the patient is asked not to speak or swallow.
● Usually the doctor will do more Doppler ultrasound to evaluate the thyroid parenchyma for angiogenesis or not. The doctor will also perform a systematic ultrasound of each lobe and isthmus of the thyroid gland to obtain images that accurately reflect the pathology.
● During the thyroid ultrasound, doctors and technicians will explain more to the patient to coordinate in the most effective way.
● When done, the patient is wiped off the gel on the neck area and directed to the waiting area for the results.

Thyroid ultrasound is a quick, painless, inexpensive technique that can be repeated many times and can help detect lesions at an early stage. We should check and monitor periodically to detect medical conditions in order to promptly overcome and ensure the health of ourselves and our families.
Vinmec International General Hospital is equipped with modern and advanced equipment and a team of leading experts with high expertise. The hospital now has an effective screening package for thyroid diseases, helping to check thyroid function, screening & early detection of common thyroid diseases such as simple goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, ... so that appropriate and timely treatment measures can be taken.
Ths.Bs Nguyen Viet Thu has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of diagnostic imaging, former Secretary of the Department of Radiology in Hanoi, directing the lower level in the field of Diagnostic Imaging. Currently, the doctor is working at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

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