A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure where a tissue sample is taken from the thyroid gland located in the patient's neck. This tissue sample is then sent for microscopic examination so the doctor can determine if there is any cancer or other issue in the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in our neck that secretes hormones regulating metabolism and growth. Sometimes, the thyroid gland can swell, or lumps can be felt upon touching it. A biopsy is performed to diagnose these lumps. The biopsy report helps doctors understand the nature of the lumps, whether they are non-cancerous or cancerous.
Let's see how the thyroid biopsy procedure is performed:
Before the procedure, your medical history is taken, and if you are on any blood thinner medications, you are advised to stop taking them to reduce the risk of bleeding.
During the procedure, you are asked to lie straight on an examination table, keeping your neck straight to expose the thyroid gland area. The skin over the gland is then cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution, and local anesthesia is administered to minimize pain during needle insertion.
Next, ultrasound gel is applied to the neck, and the thyroid gland is viewed using an ultrasound device. With the help of the ultrasound, a special hollow needle is inserted into the affected area of the thyroid. This needle is attached to a syringe-like device that gently pulls the tissue sample into the needle. The needle is then carefully removed, and the tissue sample is stored in formaldehyde water to preserve it. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for examination.
After the procedure, you are kept under observation for a short time and then sent home if there are no complications.
In the laboratory, the biopsy tissue is analyzed under a microscope, and a report is prepared identifying any issues in the tissue sample. Biopsy test reports are usually sent to you within a few days, and based on the report, further treatment options are suggested.