Thyroid ultrasound
This small and seemingly insignificant organ, in fact, controls the work of the entire human body. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are responsible for the proper functioning of the heart, brain, reproductive and nervous systems. Without their participation, the healthy formation of muscle fibers and bones is not complete.
With sharp jumps in weight (quick weight gain or weight loss), problems with the condition of the skin and hair, hyperhidrosis, increased fatigue, irritability, lack of efficiency, interruptions in the work of the heart muscle (tachycardia, increased pulse), hand tremor, permanently elevated body temperature, lack of regular cycle in women, as well as if it is impossible to become pregnant, it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland.
As statistics show, about 20% of the world's population is affected by one or another disease of this organ. In a number of regions with an unfavorable situation, this figure increases to 50%. Factors aggravating the situation are stress, poor nutrition, insufficient intake of iodine and selenium, unfavorable ecology, past injuries, and serious illnesses.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland with high accuracy allows you to explore its structure and identify complex diseases at an early stage. The regular annual examination is shown to people:
- over 40 years old;
- working in hazardous industries;
- often experiencing stress;
- having a genetic predisposition to diseases of the gland and diabetes;
- undergoing hormone therapy;
- planning pregnancy.
What does a thyroid ultrasound show
A comprehensive study using modern equipment allows you to study:
- the structure of the gland: in the normal state there are two lobes and an isthmus connecting them, an additional (so-called pyramidal) lobe can be observed, which is not considered a deviation;
- its homogeneity: in the presence of inflammation, the structure acquires heterogeneous outlines with different granularity;
- location: the detection of abnormalities of a pathological nature indicates the presence of various diseases;
- dimensions: the width of the connecting isthmus and three parameters of each of the lobes;
- the symmetry of the shares: the same size and the distance equidistant from the central axis;
- contours: in the normal state of the organ, the latest generation equipment gives a picture of clear contours; if the border looks blurred, this indicates the presence of inflammatory or neoplastic disease;
- presence of cysts and nodules.
In addition, during the procedure, the state of blood vessels suitable for the organ, and nearby lymph nodes are studied, and soft tissues surrounding the thyroid gland and the larynx are examined.
PREPARATION FOR THYROID USG
Having a number of complaints and turning to an endocrinologist, the patient in most cases receives a referral for an ultrasound. It can be both preceded and accompanied by additional tests that determine the level of hormones in the blood (TSH, T4f, T3f, AT TPO) and indicate malfunctions in the body.
Special preparation for the passage of ultrasound of the thyroid gland is not required. The procedure itself is carried out quickly, taking no more than 15 minutes. At this time, the doctor, using a sensor, examines the neck area and sees the result on the screen in real mode, and also has the opportunity to save the results of the examination for the purpose of their subsequent transfer to the treating endocrinologist.
Before performing an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, preparation comes down to simple procedures: exposing the required area, removing scarves, scarves, chains, and other jewelry, as well as applying a special gel that improves the sensor’s adhesion to the skin and increases the permeability of ultrasound waves. Also, the sonologist may ask you to take the position of the body lying on your back with your head thrown back (for convenience, a roller is placed under the neck) for better access to the organ.
ULTRASOUND OF THE THYROID GLAND: EXPLANATION
During the procedure itself, the specialist displays the image on the screen and, using the cursor, measures the dimensions of the lobes and isthmus online, looks at the outlines, and if there are nodes, positions their location, and takes measurements (over 4 mm is considered a prerequisite for further examination).
When evaluating the parameters obtained during the ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the norm is displayed in the conclusion with the corresponding entries:
- dimensions, shape, and density are standard;
- contours are clear;
- the structure is homogeneous;
- echogenicity is normal;
- there is no enlargement of lymph nodes;
- neoplasms (cysts, nodes, adenomas, cancerous tumors) were not detected.
At the end of the thyroid ultrasound procedure, the norm and any deviations are recorded by a specialist in a written protocol intended for transmission to the endocrinologist and serving as the basis for an accurate diagnosis. In addition to the written conclusion, the sonologist attaches photographs of the gland with a marked time of the examination and fixed parameters.
PRICE OF THYROID USG
Today, every polyclinic and hospital is equipped with an ultrasound diagnostic room. Such a wide distribution of the method has led to the fact that the cost of research has decreased and has become quite affordable for all segments of the population.
Depending on the type of equipment on which thyroid ultrasound is performed, the price may vary slightly. Elastography and dopplerometry are additionally paid. Find out the price and other details of the service by phone numbers listed on the “Contacts” page.
