Thyroid needle biopsy is the most effective and sensitive examination used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules. It is a method that has features such as outpatient treatment and return to daily life in a short time.
What is a nodule in the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is located in the front of our neck. It is a butterfly-shaped structure located on the side of the building. The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones that regulate the body's energy metabolism, that is, the "tempo" of the organs in one place. "Nodule" formation in the thyroid gland is quite common. The majority of nodules are benign; however, a small number may represent thyroid cancer. Various tests are required to clarify this, and thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy is generally recommended in some cases of suspicion.
The process of taking a piece from the thyroid nodule located in the thyroid gland is called thyroid biopsy. Thyroid nodules are revealed during routine examination or ultrasonography examination. Thyroid nodules measuring less than 1 cm are difficult to detect by examination and are often not noticed externally. Thyroid biopsies are performed in daily practice to determine whether nodules are cancerous or not. However, cancer is found in less than 10% of all thyroid nodules.
How is a thyroid biopsy performed?
The procedure is quite simple and the negativity rate of the procedure is quite low when performed correctly. In other words, the biopsy result is unlikely to be wrong in patients who are certain to have cancer. In fact, the procedure is easier than other organ biopsies. The biopsy process is performed with simple plastic needles used in blood collection units in the daily hospital routine, and the person experiences pain as much as the pain experienced during blood collection from the same arm during the biopsy procedure. The biopsy process takes approximately 15-20 minutes with all preparations. After the procedure, pressure is applied to the biopsy area with gauze or a sterile cloth for about 20 minutes. After this period, no bandaging is required.
How often and how should checks be performed?
Patients whose biopsy results are clear are followed up. If growth is detected after 6 months of follow-up, repeat fine needle biopsy. is rolled. If no change is observed during this period, follow-up continues. Surgery is recommended in patients whose biopsy is over 1 cm, whose biopsy is suspicious, and in patients whose cancer cells are detected after the biopsy.
Read: 0
