Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy

Fine needle biopsy of the thyroid gland is performed after palpation or ultrasound visualization of a thyroid nodule (lump). The patient uncovers the neck and removes all jewelry. Then the patient lies on the couch, head tilted back. The doctor determines the optimal biopsy site using ultrasound guidance. During the puncture, the patient must not move, talk, or swallow saliva. Biopsy sample collection is painless and does not require anesthesia.

A thyroid biopsy allows for the evaluation of cells, and not entire tissue. The final diagnosis of thyroid diseases is based on the overall clinical picture, i.e., a clinical interview, examination, thyroid biopsy and cytology, and other additional tests. In some cases, the biopsy samples may not contain thyroid cells, or contain too few of them to make a clear diagnosis. This is called a ”non-diagnostic biopsy” by pathologists (doctors who evaluate the biopsy sample) but it does not mean “poorly performed.”

Thyroid biopsy results are delivered in 4 to 5 weeks.

In the case of a non-diagnostic result, a repeat thyroid biopsy is a fully paid procedure.