Thyroid Ultrasound

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

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.

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Why are Thyroid Ultrasounds commonly performed?

Thyroid Ultrasound is commonly performed to:

Ultrasounds can help assess the size, shape, and texture of the thyroid gland. They are used to detect various thyroid abnormalities, such as nodules (lumps) or cysts. The ultrasound images may provide information about the characteristics of these growths, helping determine whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or potentially malignant (cancerous).

Thyroid ultrasounds can assist in monitoring the function and health of the thyroid gland. Certain thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, can be evaluated through ultrasound to assess the gland’s overall appearance and any changes over time.

If a thyroid abnormality has been identified, regular ultrasound exams may be conducted to monitor changes in size or appearance over time.

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.

Exam Preparation

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.

Your healthcare provider or Sono Center Medical Group will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.

Before the procedure, remove any objects from your neck area.

Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.

A provider’s referral is required to schedule any imaging study. If you do not have a provider referral, Sono Center can assist with scheduling a telehealth consultation for you (independent healthcare provider belonging to an external network). If you have any relevant medical history, previous imaging results, or physician referrals, please bring them with you to the appointment.

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.

Ultrasound Procedure

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:

In most cases, there is no specific preparation needed for a thyroid ultrasound. You can typically eat and drink normally before the procedure. You may be asked to change into a gown. This helps ensure easy access to your neck for the ultrasound procedure.

A clear, water-based gel will be applied to the skin over your thyroid area. This gel helps transmit the sound waves from the transducer and improve the quality of the ultrasound images.

The ultrasound technician (sonographer) will use a handheld device called a transducer. This transducer emits high-frequency sound waves and captures the echoes that bounce back from your thyroid gland and surrounding tissues. The technician will gently move the transducer over the gel-covered area to obtain various angles and images.

As the technician moves the transducer, you might feel a slight pressure on your neck, but the procedure is generally painless. You may hear some sound, which is the ultrasound equipment processing the sound waves.

The technician might take screenshots or measurements of specific areas of interest within the thyroid gland for later evaluation by a radiologist.

Once all the necessary images have been obtained, you may wipe off the gel from your skin. You can then go about your normal activities.

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.

Thyroid Ultrasound Price

$300

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