What is a Thyroid Ultrasound?
The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and the body’s energy balance. A thyroid ultrasound is a painless and safe imaging method used to evaluate the structure and function of this gland. Using high-frequency sound waves, the ultrasound device provides clear images of the thyroid and surrounding tissues. Structures such as nodules, cysts, enlargement (goiter), and tumors can be examined in detail.
How is a Thyroid Ultrasound Performed?
During the examination, the patient lies on their back with their head slightly tilted backward. A special ultrasound gel is applied to the neck, which helps transmit sound waves more effectively through the skin. The probe, a device head, is then moved over the neck to capture images. The procedure is painless and typically lasts 10–15 minutes, making it a quick and practical method.
How Does a Thyroid Ultrasound Work?
The device sends sound waves that bounce back from the tissues and are converted into images on a computer. This allows detailed assessment of the thyroid gland’s size, internal structure, presence of nodules, and its relationship with surrounding tissues. If suspicious nodules are detected, ultrasound-guided biopsy can be performed. This method helps guide the biopsy needle accurately, improving diagnostic accuracy.
When is a Thyroid Ultrasound Needed?
Ultrasound is requested when there is swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, or irregular thyroid hormone test results. It is also performed for routine monitoring in individuals with a family history of thyroid disease. For patients diagnosed with nodules, ultrasound is an essential part of follow-up. It is also used post-surgery or to monitor response to treatment.
Where Can a Thyroid Ultrasound Be Done?
This examination can be performed in public hospitals, university hospitals, and private healthcare facilities. It is conducted by specialist physicians in radiology departments. In institutions covered by social security (SGK), the procedure is relatively low-cost, while prices in private centers vary depending on the technology of the device used.
Which Area is Examined in a Thyroid Ultrasound?
The ultrasound examines the front of the neck. The thyroid gland is located in front of the trachea, beneath the Adam’s apple. The ultrasound can also visualize the surrounding lymph nodes and blood vessels, allowing detailed assessment of potential spread, not just the gland’s size.
What Conditions Are Evaluated with a Thyroid Ultrasound?
The most common use is to evaluate thyroid nodules. It is also preferred for goiter, thyroiditis (inflammation), cysts, and suspected thyroid cancer. It helps identify structural causes behind hormone imbalances. Additionally, it is important for monitoring after surgery and assessing response to medication.
How Long Does a Thyroid Ultrasound Result Take?
After the scan, a radiologist evaluates the images. In most healthcare centers, the results are available the same day, though it may take a few days during busy periods. Rapid reporting allows timely treatment planning, which is particularly crucial for suspicious nodules.
Which Department Performs a Thyroid Ultrasound?
The test is conducted in radiology departments but is usually requested by an endocrinologist or internal medicine specialist. The radiologist evaluates the images and prepares a report, which the patient then takes to the referring physician for multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning.
Is Fasting Required for a Thyroid Ultrasound?
Fasting is not necessary for this procedure. Patients can continue their normal diet and take medications. A thyroid ultrasound can be performed on a full stomach. However, if other tests, such as blood tests, are scheduled the same day, fasting may be required.
How Long Does a Thyroid Ultrasound Take?
The procedure is short, usually taking 10–20 minutes. If there are multiple nodules or detailed lymph node evaluation is needed, the duration may be slightly longer. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately afterward.
Thyroid Ultrasound Prices 2026
The cost varies depending on the healthcare facility, the technology of the device, and additional examinations. Public hospitals and SGK-covered institutions have lower costs. In private hospitals and imaging centers, prices range from approximately 2,000 TL to 8,500 TL. Ultrasounds with contrast or biopsy guidance can be more expensive.
How is the Thyroid Examined with Ultrasound?
The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, is visualized using high-frequency sound waves from an ultrasound device. The patient lies on their back with the head slightly tilted backward, and a special gel is applied to the neck. This gel improves sound wave transmission and image quality. The probe is moved over the front of the neck to assess the gland’s size, structure, presence of nodules, and surrounding lymph nodes. The procedure is completely painless and radiation-free.
When is a Thyroid Ultrasound Done?
It is requested when there is swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. Structural evaluation is also done if thyroid hormone tests are abnormal. Routine monitoring is recommended for individuals with a family history of thyroid disease or previous nodules. It is also used post-treatment or post-surgery for follow-up.
What Does a High Thyroid Test Mean?
High TSH levels in blood tests indicate underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). High T3 and T4 levels suggest overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). However, blood test results alone do not confirm a diagnosis. Clinical examination, ultrasound, and sometimes biopsy are needed for complete evaluation.
Can Thyroid Problems Be Detected in Blood Tests?
Functional issues are largely identified through blood tests. TSH, free T3, and T4 reveal whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. Structural problems like nodules, cysts, or tumors cannot be detected with blood tests alone, which is why ultrasound and sometimes biopsy are required.
How Can a Nodule in the Throat Be Detected?
Thyroid nodules may sometimes be noticed without symptoms. A palpable lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, throat obstruction sensation, and hoarseness suggest a nodule. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis, showing the nodule’s size, structure, and relation to surrounding tissues. Suspicious nodules may require fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Which Doctor Should Be Visited for a Thyroid Ultrasound?
Patients typically first visit an endocrinologist for thyroid complaints. The endocrinologist evaluates hormone tests alongside ultrasound findings. Internal medicine (dahiliye) may also provide referrals. Ultrasound imaging is performed and reported by radiologists, and patients then share results with their specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?
Overactive thyroid causes palpitations, weight loss, nervousness, excessive sweating, and tremors. Underactive thyroid leads to fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, cold intolerance, and hair loss. Goiter can cause neck swelling and pressure. Nodules may grow and cause difficulty swallowing or voice changes. Persistent hoarseness or rapidly growing lumps require attention.
What Happens if the Thyroid Works Slowly?
In hypothyroidism, metabolism slows. Common symptoms include fatigue, constipation, depression, hair loss, and weight gain. In children, growth and development may be delayed, and women may experience menstrual irregularities. Untreated hypothyroidism can negatively affect heart and vascular health.
At What Size is a Thyroid Nodule Considered Dangerous?
Nodule risk is not determined solely by size. However, nodules larger than 1 cm are closely monitored. Rapidly growing, irregular, hard nodules with enlarged lymph nodes are considered risky. Small nodules with suspicious features may also require biopsy.
Is Fasting Required for Thyroid Tests?
Fasting is not required for thyroid hormone tests. Patients can have these tests on a full stomach. If other tests like cholesterol or glucose are also ordered, fasting may be needed. Laboratory instructions should be followed.
Can a Tumor Be Seen on Ultrasound?
Ultrasound can detect tumors in the thyroid. It shows the nodule’s structure, margins, and internal features in detail. However, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors requires fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Pathology confirms the tumor type.
How is a Throat Ultrasound Performed?
Throat ultrasound evaluates the thyroid, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues in the neck. The patient lies on their back with the head slightly tilted backward to visualize neck structures clearly.
Special ultrasound gel is applied to the neck, improving sound wave transmission and image quality. The probe is moved slowly over the neck while the images are evaluated by a specialist. The procedure is completely painless, lasts 10–15 minutes, and patients can resume daily activities immediately.
When Are Throat Ultrasound Results Ready?
The radiologist evaluates the images after the examination. In most hospitals and imaging centers, results are ready the same day. During busy periods, the report may take a few days. Rapid assessment is crucial, especially when nodules, cysts, inflammation, or tumors are suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment benefit from timely reporting.
How is a Thyroid Physical Examination Performed?
During a physical exam, the physician visually inspects and palpates the front of the neck. The size, shape, mobility of the thyroid, and presence of nodules are assessed. The patient is asked to swallow, and gland movement is observed.
Manual examination provides information on large nodules or swellings, but small structural changes may go unnoticed. Ultrasound supports physical examination, providing detailed visualization of the gland’s size and structure, ensuring accurate assessment.
What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Goiter?
Toxic goiter, caused by an overactive thyroid, accelerates metabolism and leads to multiple symptoms. Common complaints include palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, nervousness, hand tremors, and heat intolerance.
Patients may also experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, and increased appetite. In advanced stages, eye protrusion and enlargement may occur. Neck swelling, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing are additional symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can control toxic goiter.
