Thyroid ultrasounds are safe and painless imaging tests of the thyroid gland. If your doctor finds an unusual lump on your thyroid during your annual physical exam, they may refer you to the highly skilled team at My Choice Imaging, LLC in Cleveland, Texas, for a thyroid ultrasound. The state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging center uses the most advanced technologies so they get the best images for an accurate diagnosis. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about thyroid ultrasounds.
The thyroid is a gland located in your neck. Part of your endocrine system, the thyroid makes and releases a group of hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, the amount of energy your body needs to run basic functions (breathing, body temperature, and digestion).
Thyroid hormones interact with almost every organ and tissue in your body. Any condition that affects the structure or function of the thyroid gland may affect hormone production. Changes in thyroid hormone levels affect weight, energy, and mood.
You may need thyroid ultrasounds if you have symptoms that suggest a thyroid problem. During your annual physical exam, your doctor feels your thyroid for lumps called nodules. They also run lab work to check thyroid hormone levels.
If they find nodules or abnormalities in hormone levels, they may request a thyroid ultrasound to evaluate the gland. Thyroid ultrasounds can identify the size and location of a nodule, diagnose goiters (enlarged thyroid gland), and check for abnormalities of lymph nodes near the thyroid.
In most cases, nodules aren’t cancerous. However, results from a thyroid ultrasound can help determine what happens next.
Thyroid ultrasounds at My Choice Imaging, LLC are painless and safe. The team explains what you can expect during your ultrasound to ease anxiety and concerns.
During the ultrasound, the technician applies a special gel to the skin on your neck. They place a transducer on the gel and move it over the area. The transducer sends and retrieves sound waves to create images of your thyroid.
Once the technician gets the images they need, they wipe off the gel and send you on your way. Most thyroid ultrasounds take about 30 minutes, and you can go back to your usual routine afterward.
The team at My Choice Imaging, LLC explains at the time of your ultrasound when you can expect to learn the results. The radiologists at the diagnostic imaging center carefully examine the images and write a report that they send to your referring physician.
You then meet with your physician, who talks to you about the results of your thyroid ultrasound and what you need to do next.
Call My Choice Imaging, LLC today or schedule your thyroid ultrasound online.