Thyroid Biopsy
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that makes
and stores hormones. These hormones adjust
your heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature and the rate that food is changed
into energy. During a thyroid biopsy, small
samples of cells are removed from the thyroid
and sent to the lab for testing. Your doctor
will review the results of your biopsy with
you at your next visit and talk to you about
treatment if needed.
Arrive on time for your test. You may be told to arrive 30 minutes before
your appointment time. This test takes about two hours.
During the Test
• You will lie on a table and may wear a hospital gown.
• The skin is cleaned.
• Numbing medicine is put into the skin. This may sting.
• An ultrasound, a machine using sound waves, is done to find lumps in the
thyroid called nodules.
• When the site is numb, a small needle is put into the thyroid nodules.
• Some cells and tissue are pulled out in a syringe to be checked in the lab.
• The needle is then removed.
After the Test
You may have bruising, discomfort and swelling at the biopsy site. If
needed:
• Use over the counter pain medicine that does not contain aspirin.
• Apply an ice pack to the site to reduce swelling and bruising. Do not
apply ice directly to the skin. Apply ice for 20 minutes and then take the
ice off for at least 30 minutes.