What is a Thyroid Biopsy?
The thyroid is a gland located on the front of your neck. The thyroid can develop spots in it for different reasons. When imaging and labs are not enough to make a diagnosis, your clinician may recommend a thyroid biopsy.
A thyroid biopsy is when a clinician takes tiny pieces of the spot so it can be examined under a microscope to make a diagnosis.
Often the spot is not serious, and no treatment is needed. Sometimes a thyroid biopsy will diagnose something more serious like cancer. It can help your clinician determine what types of treatment to offer you.
How is a Thyroid Biopsy done?
You will lay on your back. The clinician will use ultrasound to find the spot. The clinician will numb the skin. It is normal to feel pressure. They will pass a very thin needle into the spot in the thyroid to take several samples. They may also use a needle that makes clicking sounds as it collects samples. After the biopsy, the clinician will cover the pinhole in your skin with a bandage.
Thyroid Biopsy Procedure
1. The clinician uses ultrasound to look for the spot in the thyroid.
2. They numb the skin of the neck. They take samples using a skinny needle that makes a clicking sound. They give the samples to the pathologist.
3. After, they put a bandage over the pinhole in the skin.
What are the risks?
Thyroid Biopsy is safe when performed by a specialist.
Some people may experience temporary tenderness after the biopsy.
Up to 3 in 100 people may have mild bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures (including nerves and blood vessels).
Very rarely, people experience temporary symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, including nervousness, loss of appetite, and flushing.
Sometimes the doctors cannot make a diagnosis from the biopsy, and it has to be repeated.
What are the alternatives?
Alternative 1 Not doing a biopsy. However, your clinicians may have trouble diagnosing the spot. This could prevent you from getting the right treatment, if you need it.
Alternative 2 Watching and waiting. You and your doctor may choose to watch the spot with ultrasounds over time to see if it grows or changes. The downside is that you may delay treatment if it is something serious.
Alternative 3 Surgery to cut the spot out. This has more risks and a longer recovery. The surgeon may want a diagnosis before they operate.