A thyroid biopsy is a common medical procedure performed to examine thyroid nodules, which are lumps that can form in the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. This diagnostic tool helps medical professionals determine if a thyroid nodule is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Understanding the steps involved in a thyroid biopsy can help individuals feel more prepared and less anxious about the process.
Preparing for Your Thyroid Biopsy
Before your thyroid biopsy, your healthcare provider will offer instructions. Discuss all medications you are currently taking with your doctor, especially blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or prescribed anticoagulants. These may need to be temporarily stopped to reduce bleeding risk. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate timeline for discontinuing them. You can eat and drink normally before the appointment, but confirming any dietary restrictions with your provider is recommended.
Inform the clinic staff about any known allergies, particularly to anesthetics or latex. Preparing a list of questions for your healthcare team can be helpful. For comfort, wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your neck, and remove any necklaces or jewelry. If sedation is used, arranging for transportation home will be necessary.
The Biopsy Procedure
On the day of the procedure, you will lie on your back with your head gently tilted backward, often with a pillow placed under your shoulders to extend your neck slightly. The area around your neck will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. An ultrasound transducer, coated with a water-soluble gel, will then be placed on your neck. Ultrasound guidance allows the medical professional to visualize the thyroid gland and precisely locate the nodule for accurate needle placement.
A local anesthetic will be injected into the skin around the biopsy site to numb the area, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Once numb, a very thin, hollow needle, often smaller than those used for blood draws, is inserted through the skin and into the thyroid nodule, guided by ultrasound imaging. The medical professional collects cell samples by moving the needle back and forth several times within the nodule.
Multiple passes are performed to obtain a sufficient sample of cells. You might feel some pressure or a pulling sensation, but no sharp pain. The entire procedure, including preparation, lasts less than 30 minutes.
After Your Biopsy
Immediately following the biopsy, pressure will be applied to the site, and a small bandage will be placed over the needle insertion point. You may experience mild soreness, tenderness, or bruising at the biopsy site for one to two days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can manage discomfort. Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure is recommended.
You may be advised to keep the biopsy site covered and dry for a specific period, around 24 to 48 hours, after which you can shower or bathe as normal. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on when to remove the bandage. Monitor the biopsy site for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding that saturates the bandage, increased swelling, worsening pain, unusual redness, warmth, pus, or a fever.
If any of these symptoms occur, or if you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact your doctor immediately. The collected tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab, and results are available within a few days to two weeks. Your healthcare provider will then discuss the findings with you and outline any next steps.