Hi guys, I have a thyroid ultrasound-guided biopsy in a few days and have no idea what to expect. Can anybody shed light on the procedure?

[writersblock]

For example, is it painful, do you get numbed, is it quick, etc? Thank you in advance.

For context, I had a blood test done a few months back which showed significantly elevated TPO antibodies, and had TSH levels tested too. I went to the urgent care clinic at my normal doctors surgery as I noticed the front of my neck had completely swollen, and they sent me for an immediate x ray on my chest and lungs I believe? I was then referred to an ENT specialist who performed a nasal endoscopy there and then (not fun) and said my voice box appeared normal as I had mentioned I felt like I was straining to speak. He then told me he would put through an appointment for an ultrasound.... I have now received the letter, which tells me I am instead, having an ultrasound-guided biopsy. I phoned the hospital to double check and they said that is correct. I don't understand why they would send me for a biopsy when I haven't had an initial scan of my thyroid yet? Therefore I am just wondering what to expect.

[cjrsquared]

They will only take a fine needle aspiration (fna) biopsy if you are found to have fluid filled cysts on ultrasound.. if your thyroid is normal, or if any swelling is solid then they don’t take a biopsy. It is booked this way to avoid a second appointment. Fna’s are uncomfortable but l never found them painful or lengthy. The ultrasound and whole procedure should be over in 20 minutes. Good luck

[writersblock in reply to cjrsquared]

Oh I see, thank you! What happens if the swelling is solid?

[Greekchick]

Also, be prepared for some bruising in the area. You should not drive after procedure and take it easy that day. They will often forget to tell you that. Good luck!

[milkwoman]

I’ve had two U/S guided Fine Needle Aspirations (FNA). My doctor is highly skilled and the nurses are great.

I was given lidocaine injections into my neck to anesthetize the area. These are the worst part but it only stings for a few seconds and then the area is completely numb. I didn’t feel the biopsy needles at all and the overall procedure was relatively quick. (Be sure to let your doctor know if you feel any pain during the procedure and they will inject more numbing. My doctor continually asked if I was okay during the procedure). Expect your doctor to take several samples of each nodule. I think I had 20 samples total taken the first time I had this performed (5 samples taken of 4 nodules). Less the second time.

Afterwards, the nurses applied a self-stick cold pack to my neck. This was very soothing as the numbing wore off. I recall being a little bruised and sore but nothing too bad. Pain reliever, rest and cold pack provided relief. I didn’t do much that day but was fine the day after.

Good luck!

[writersblock in reply to milkwoman]

Thank you for your reply milkwoman! I had the biopsy done early this morning and everything you said was correct, I had the exact same numbing injection and that was by the far the worst part! They found one nodule just off of my thyroid that they found during the ultrasound, but it appears my thyroid is just swollen, luckily i have now been referred to an endo. It is definitely very very sore and bruised, did you have pain up the side of your head and ear too? That was an unexpected side effect to have, but alas, it is all done now. I hope you're well too!

[milkwoman in reply to writersblock]

Woohoo!! You made it through!

Hmmmm, I don’t recall having pain up the side of my head and into my ear, but I suppose that could happen depending upon the location of the nodule (or due to the swollen thyroid?) If it persists and is causing concern, I would contact your docs office and let them know.

You are only now being referred to an endo? It was an endo that performed my procedure.

Yes, I am well. My nodules are stable and both FNAs yielded benign results - phew! hope yours are as well!

[writersblock in reply to milkwoman]

Haha I know thank christ!

Yea, I think you could be right actually. I am yea! It's such an odd story because I only had a biopsy due to going to urgent care about my swelling, they then sent me for an x ray and nasal endoscopy, the ENT then referred for an ultrasound guided biopsy, and now they are sending me to an endo with the results. I'm also having my blood tests monitored by my university doctors, so it's a but confusing lol. Yay, I'm glad. And thank you 😊

[milkwoman in reply to writersblock]

I hope you get some answers!

Have you seen your blood tests? Do they confirm a thyroid issue?

[writersblock in reply to milkwoman]

Thank you. And I have yea, I've had 3 sets now, TPO started at 1300, now fluctuates, TSH is 7.6 I believe, they said it will need monitoring but haven't diagnosed me with anything, hopefully after the biopsy they will be more proactive now

[milkwoman in reply to writersblock]

Wow - it would seem the diagnosis is pretty easy considering the high antibodies. Keep track of your symptoms and fight to get a diagnosis and treatment!