What is Thyroid Ultrasound?
(Ultrasound Thyroid; Thyroid Sonogram; Thyroid Echogram; Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound; Goiter Ultrasound)
A thyroid ultrasound is a medical imaging procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed images of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body through the production of thyroid hormones.
A provider’s referral is required to schedule a Thyroid Ultrasound.
Why are Thyroid Ultrasounds commonly performed?
Thyroid Ultrasound is commonly performed to:
Overall, thyroid ultrasounds are a valuable diagnostic tool that helps doctors assess thyroid health and detect any potential issues. If you have concerns about your thyroid gland, thyroid function, or related symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional who can determine if a thyroid ultrasound or other diagnostic tests are necessary.
How to prepare for your Thyroid Ultrasound?
Preparing for a thyroid ultrasound is usually quite straightforward, and in most cases, there’s no extensive preparation required. However, we recommend following any specific instructions given to you by your healthcare provider.
Remember that the specific instructions for preparation can vary, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and Sono Center Medical Group. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the preparation, don’t hesitate to contact us or your healthcare provider for clarification. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to expect during your
Thyroid Ultrasound?
During a thyroid ultrasound, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the thyroid area. This transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues. The echoes produced by these sound waves are then converted into real-time images that are displayed on a monitor. This imaging technique is non-invasive, painless, and does not involve the use of ionizing radiation like X-rays. During your Thyroid Ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table, typically on your back.
The procedure includes the following:
After the procedure, the images and findings of your Thyroid Ultrasound will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will generate a report for your healthcare provider. We will share the report with you via a HIPAA compliant email, as well as fax the report to your healthcare provider. You must follow up with your healthcare provider for a clinical exam based on your concern and to review your results. It is important for you to understand that you may have problems, disease, or abnormalities, but this study may not find them. You may need additional imaging or tests.