Thyroid ultrasound tips?

[Regenallotment]

Does anyone have tips for what to expect, or what questions to ask in a thyroid ultrasound scan?

My date came through surprisingly quickly.

Reason for going, I have Hashimoto’s and I have an increasingly sore throat/neck and lumps in my collarbone pits, more on left than right and left side of neck isn’t the same shape as the right, bit swollen.

TIA 🦋💚🦋

[Delgor]

Regenallotment - I can only tell you that I had two done in the past 18 months (6 months apart) as I had a lump in my neck and wanted to ascertain what it was. The procedure itself was nothng to worry about except that you may inadvertently get some gel on your hair (unless you can tie it up and away from your neck) as they obviously have to smooth it onto areas they want to check out. It was confirmed that I had a multinodular goitre once again but they didn't think the nodules were cancerous but they measured everything so that it could be stored on record for future use and thankfully my follow-up scan six months later showed that none of the nodules had grown and still didn't look cancerous. Hope this helps and will be thinking of you!

[Regenallotment in reply to Delgor]

thanks for this, it was very reassuring. Hair band was essential. Just waiting to find out what the report to GP says, she was very cagey and wouldn’t tell me much, just something there and needle next. 🦋💚🦋

[Delgor in reply to Regenallotment]

So pleased to hear that it went ok and yes it's always horrible waiting to hear the results but will keep fingers crossed for you!

[serenfach]

Just take some tissues as they usually miss wiping the gel off in various places, and it feels cold when you go outside! Wet wipes do the trick too. Just think - you can have a bit of a lie down and a sort of massage! I hope the results are clear and you feel better soon.

[Regenallotment in reply to serenfach]

great advice by the way, open neck dress and ponytail worked a treat. I’m through to the next round, awaiting GP feedback. Didn’t get much info today. 🦋💚🦋

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I wore a Bandeau top so my neck & shoulders were free.  

When I’ve had my scans  (several) The transducer is moved up to jaw line to collar bone.  So a little beyond the neck area. 

Some operators are more communicative than others. Some will say report will go to doctor & refuse to say anything as they may need a colleague to review images with them & submit report to doctor.

Ask them what can they tell you. Is there an obvious issue? 

[Regenallotment in reply to PurpleNails]

thanks for this, it was exactly like you said. She said all done, report to the GP today or tomorrow. I asked but she wouldn’t tell me, said too hard to explain. But something there and next step was a needle… trying not to panic 😬

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Regenallotment]

It’s saves them time not having to explain anything, but it might leave feeling some like they might be concealing something.  Please try not to panic.  Easier to say I know.  

I really don’t like to hear they said “too hard to explain” - sounds very arrogant.  Often GPs say the same I’m afraid.  Recently a poster was told by GP they weren’t clear on what report meant but everything is fine.    They pressed for a copy of report & it recommended further investigation.  

So I strongly recommend you get a copy of report & not solely rely on what GP understands or chooses to divulge. 

 I bet the report they submit is less than 10 lines.  The terminology may be “medical speak” but there nothing too hard to explain when your health is affected.  

When there’s a nodule over 1cm or an area with slightest possible concern they will arrange to complete a fine needle aspiration.

The team which we’re doing my 1st scan said they could complete there  & then, which is much better than having to revisit and worry about how it might go in meantime.  

I can reassure you a thyroid FNA it’s a straightforward quick process, by guided ultrasound. I was given a local anaesthetic & discomfort during procedure minimal.  No ache after & no issue talking / eating.  I wasn’t expecting FNA so had a busy shift straight after.   

Sometimes very confident & quick doctors do complete without local.  Ask beforehand what they plan to do. I was told gently bite end of my tongue, this is to minimise swallowing & movement.  Once numb the needle is passed a few times.  

19 out of 20 samples do not require any follow up. Sample Collection failure can be quite high, more so with solid areas.  So don’t be surprised if they take more than 1 sample during procedure.  

Have something light to eat well in advance you don’t want to be hungry or feel nauseous with anxiety.  

[Regenallotment in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks very much for the reassurance and advice. I look forward to having a copy of the report! 🦋💚🦋

[serenfach]

So glad it went ok. I had two needle thingies - the first I was so worried about the snow falling and getting home over the mountain that I dont think I felt a thing. They called me back which made me worry, but it turned out there was blood in the sample so they could not "read" it. The second person who did it was lovely and chatted to me the whole time. I was clear but had to wait two weeks for the results. Fingers crossed for you. Hug.