(Fine-Needle Aspiration: Thyroid; Skinny-Needle Biopsy: Thyroid; Coarse-Needle Biopsy: Thyroid; Core Needle Biopsy: Thyroid)
Definition
Definition
A needle biopsy uses a needle to removal of a small piece of tissue or fluid for testing. In this case, the tissue is removed from the thyroid gland.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
A thyroid biopsy is usually done when a lump is found in the thyroid. The lump is often called a thyroid nodule. These nodules are fairly common and usually do not need treatment. Only about 5% of nodules are cancerous.
The needle biopsy is usually done to see if a nodule is cancer. The biopsy may also be done if there is no nodule but the thyroid is enlarged.
Thyroid Nodule© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Bleeding
- Bruising where the needle was inserted
- Pain after the procedure
- Infection
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
In the days leading up to your procedure, you may have a physical exam and blood tests. Your doctor will talk with you about your medical history, including any allergies you may have. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. You may be need to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure
You will need to arrange for a ride home from the care center.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used. The area that is affected will be numb.
You may also be given a sedative to help you relax
Description of the Procedure
There are two types of biopsies:
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)—most common
- Coarse-needle biopsy (CNB)
You will be asked to lie on your back. A pillow will be placed under your shoulders. Your neck will be extended. The site of the biopsy will be cleaned. For an FNA, your doctor will insert a tiny hollow needle into the nodule to collect a sample of tissue. For a CNB, your doctor will make a small cut in the skin. The needle will be inserted through the incision and into the thyroid to collect a sample. The process may need to be repeated several times. After the procedure, pressure will be applied to the biopsy site. A bandage will be applied.
In some cases, your doctor will use ultrasound to help locate the area that needs to be sampled. If ultrasound is used, the doctor will place a transducer on your neck. The transducer will send images to a screen for your doctor to view. These images will be used to locate the nodule and to guide the needle. This helps to make sure your doctor got a sample of the nodule and not the surrounding “normal” tissue.
How Long Will It Take?
About 10-30 minutes
Will It Hurt?
You may feel soreness at the biopsy site for 1-2 days. Talk to your doctor about medications that may help.
Post-procedure Care
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- If you had FNA, remove the bandage within a few hours. If you had CNB, remove the bandage in a few days.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity for 24 hours.
- Return to normal activities.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
Your doctor will need to check on your progress. It is important to go to any recommended appointments.
- Bleeding
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Excessive neck swelling
- Unusual pain or discomfort
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Thyroid Foundation of America http://www.allthyroid.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.thyroid.ca/e12b.php
Accessed August 21, 2014.
Thyroid nodules. American Thyroid Association website. Available at:
http://www.thyroid.org/what-are-thyroid-nodules
Accessed August 21, 2014.
Thyroid nodule. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated August 14, 2014. Accessed August 21, 2014.
Thyroid nodules. New York Thyroid Center website. Available at:
http://columbiathyroidcenter.org/nodules.html
Accessed August 21, 2014.
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=thyroidbiopsy
Updated March 7, 2013. Accessed August 21, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013