Thyroid Ultrasound in West Bloomfield
Patients with thyroid conditions can benefit from seeing an endocrinologist. These doctors specialize in the treatment of endocrine diseases and disorders, including the thyroid.
If your thyroid isn’t functioning normally or you’ve felt a lump or swelling around your thyroid, you may need a thyroid ultrasound to diagnose the problem. Associated Endocrinologists have offices in Southeast Michigan and perform tests like ultrasounds to help treat your thyroid condition.
What is a Thyroid Ultrasound?
An ultrasound of your thyroid is a simple procedure that uses sound waves to generate images of your thyroid. The sound waves come from a handheld transducer that the doctor passes over your neck where the thyroid is located, and the image data is displayed on a screen for your doctor to see. These ultrasound images help your doctor examine your thyroid and check for abnormalities.
Who Needs a Thyroid Ultrasound?
Your doctor may order a thyroid ultrasound if bloodwork shows your thyroid function is abnormal. You may also need an ultrasound if your doctor feels any lumps or growths on your thyroid gland during a physical examination.
If you have swelling or pain in or around your thyroid, you may need an ultrasound to determine the cause of your condition. Thyroid ultrasounds are used for guided biopsies of the thyroid and surrounding tissue.
Some doctors perform thyroid ultrasounds as part of your regular physical exam. The ultrasound can help check to see if your thyroid is overactive or underactive.
What is Involved in Getting a Thyroid Ultrasound?
An ultrasound of your thyroid is a simple test that your doctor or an ultrasound technician will perform. You will have to remove any jewelry around your neck before the ultrasound can begin.
You lie on your back for the procedure, with your head and neck supported by a pillow. You need to lift your chin, exposing your neck. The doctor rubs a gel on your neck, making the handheld ultrasound probe easier to move over your skin and reducing acoustic interference with the scan.
They move the transducer probe over the area of your neck where your thyroid is located. The ultrasound should be completely painless, but let your technician know if you start feeling any discomfort.
The images from your thyroid ultrasound will appear on a screen. Your doctor will evaluate these images before explaining the results to you. You may be able to get results immediately after, or it can take a few days, depending on where the procedure is done.
The entire process is quick and completely safe. Your thyroid ultrasound can be completed in as little as 10 minutes.
Experienced West Bloomfield Endocrinologists
Thyroid patients in the West Bloomfield area can seek treatment for their condition with our local endocrinologists. The team at Associated Endocrinologist has been serving the needs of patients in Southeast Michigan since 1984. We treat and provide medical advice to thyroid patients, including thyroid ultrasounds. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.