Frequently asked questions about thyroid ultrasound

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Luu Thi Bich Ngoc - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital. The doctor has 06 years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging.

Unlike fetal ultrasound, echocardiography or ovarian ultrasound, “thyroid ultrasound” may still be a strange term for many people. In fact, this is a routine ultrasound technique and is very useful for doctors to examine and identify abnormalities of the thyroid gland for early examination and timely treatment.

The thyroid is the largest gland in the body, shaped like a butterfly, located in the front of the neck just above the collarbone, with a lobe on either side of the neck and connected by a narrow band called the waist. This is an endocrine gland that holds many important roles, secreting thyroid hormones including Thyroxine (also known as T4 because there are 4 iodine molecules in its composition), tri-iodo-thyronine hormone (also known as tri-iodo-thyronine hormone). T3).
Thyroid ultrasound is a diagnostic method through imaging the thyroid gland using sound waves to find abnormalities or pathologies in the thyroid gland.
During thyroid ultrasound, the patient is instructed to lie on their back or tilt their head to the sides. Next, the doctor will use a special gel to apply to the neck area that needs ultrasound. This gel is used during thyroid ultrasound to help make the transducer safe in contact with the body and remove the lithium air pockets that block the sound waves. Through the gel layer, the probe is placed directly on the skin of the patient's neck by the doctor and moved back and forth to obtain images of the thyroid area.

Doctors can detect thyroid diseases through thyroid ultrasound during routine physical exams.
These pathologies are not easy to detect through routine clinical examination alone. Thanks to its "sensitivity", thyroid ultrasound helps doctors quickly detect thyroid nodules as well as abnormal signs. In addition, thyroid ultrasound also has the following effects:
Find other lesions in the neck that are related to lesions in the patient's thyroid gland. Classification and identification of mass structures (solid, cocoon, mixed) in the thyroid gland. If a tumor is present, a thyroid ultrasound will help determine whether the tumor is inside or outside the thyroid gland. Evaluation of several adjacent structures of the thyroid gland. Helps monitor the progression of thyroid disease. When a person has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, an ultrasound of the thyroid gland will allow the doctor to find the cause. Thyroid ultrasound also allows analysis of the presence of thyroid nodules to determine if they are benign.

Thyroid ultrasound is indicated when the physician examines the neck and suspects a cervical tumor, an intramediastinal mass, a goiter (goiter), or a thyroid disease is suspected by laboratory tests. when the clinical examination results were completely normal.
Besides, thyroid disease manifests in some of the following symptoms:
Consciousness and poor concentration: nerve function may be affected by hyperthyroidism (increased levels of thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (decreased levels of thyroid hormone). High cholesterol levels: An increase in blood cholesterol levels can occur in people with hypothyroidism. Changes in the menstrual cycle: Female patients observed that they had menorrhagia, hypermenorrhoea or long interrupted menstrual periods. Patients find themselves experiencing tremors, tension, and irritability: an overactive thyroid may be responsible for these symptoms. Edema, water retention in the body: this is a sign of hypothyroidism. Weight gain, increased heart rate Pain: Thyroid problems can cause muscle aches. Heat intolerance or poor cold tolerance: People with an overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid) thyroid will lead to these symptoms. Patients with the above symptoms may be prescribed thyroid ultrasound to find out the cause of the disease and determine the stage of thyroid diseases.

The entire thyroid ultrasound is usually done in about 20-30 minutes. Specifically:
The patient lies on an examination table during thyroid ultrasound and follows the doctor's instructions so that the ultrasound image is clear. Then, the doctor will apply a clear gel to the transducer and the neck area to be scanned. The gel will help bring the transducer in safe contact with the body while eliminating the lithium air pockets that block the sound waves. The transducer will be placed by the doctor on the patient's neck area and moved back and forth in the area to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image. This image is the basis for the doctor to comprehensively observe the thyroid area and make the most accurate diagnosis.

The answer to this question is no. Thyroid ultrasound is completely harmless to the body. In addition, there are no contraindications to thyroid ultrasound. This is a completely safe and painless technique. After the ultrasound, the patient can immediately return to normal activities.

Before the thyroid ultrasound, the patient does not need to fast or fast or make any special preparations. In addition, if possible, the patient should wear a shirt with a wide collar to easily expose the neck area to make the ultrasound process more convenient.
In summary, thyroid ultrasound is a quick method, using non-invasive ultrasound technique, so it does not cause pain or harm to the patient's body. Importantly, this method helps doctors to quickly detect thyroid diseases in a timely manner so that they can have an effective treatment plan for the patient.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of screening and screening for thyroid diseases. When choosing the Package of Screening and Screening for Thyroid Diseases at Vinmec, you will be examined by experienced thyroid specialists to help screen and detect common thyroid diseases early. variables such as: simple goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer,...
At the same time, you will have blood tests, evaluate levels of functional hormones thyroid such as FT3, FT4, TSH, Anti - TPO, Anti TG and thyroid ultrasound, scan to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland. After that, when the results are returned to the doctor, you will be consulted about thyroid pathology, and discuss the appropriate treatment options for yourself. From there, thyroid disease will be prevented in time, avoiding long-term health damage in the future.