Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy
Your doctor has requested an ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsy. The goal of a biopsy is to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. A biopsy can help diagnose abnormalities such as benign and malignant thyroid tumors. During your biopsy, an imaging physician will use an ultrasound scanner to accurately guide a needle to the site of the biopsy. The needle will then be used to remove a tissue sample. At the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, a highly trained medical team will oversee your procedure.
Before Your Exam
- You can eat and drink normally before your procedure.
- Please consult your physician about stopping Coumadin (blood thinner) five days before your ultrasound-guide biopsy.
- You will need to wear a hospital gown for this procedure, so please wear clothing that you can change easily.
After Arriving
- A radiology technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history.
- Please inform the technologist or physician of any allergies you have before your exam.
- An imaging physician will discuss this procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
During Your Exam
- You may be given a local anesthetic or a cold, numbing spray. This will only numb the area around the site of the procedure. You will remain fully awake.
- The technologist will scan you using an ultrasound probe.
- During the time when the needle is inserted we ask you not to talk or swallow. The doctor often will perform more than one biopsy/needle stick.
- The imaging physician will perform the biopsy and remove a tissue sample.
- This biopsy itself usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
After Your Exam
- You may eat and drink as normal after leaving the center. You do not need to modify your activity level after the procedure. You will be able to drive after your biopsy.
- The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for examination. Results from the test will be sent to your physician. It may take up to three business days to get the results from the pathology department.
- Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Directions and Parking
For directions and parking information, click on this link.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 310-423-8000.
The S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center provides a full range of advanced imaging, both radiology and cardiology, as well as interventional radiology and interventional tumor (oncology) treatments to the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Mid-Cities, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Toluca Lake and West Hollywood.