Thyroid biopsy
Key points
- The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in front of the trachea (windpipe) at the top of the neck.
- The test is performed in a hospital operating room using general anesthesia.
- Inform the doctor of any drug allergies you have, which medications you are taking (including any herbal remedies), if you have bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant.
- The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Open incisional biopsy; Thyroid excisional biopsy
Definition
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in front of the trachea (windpipe) at the top of the neck. In an excisional biopsy, a small section of thyroid tissue containing a suspicious site is removed for diagnostic examination.
How the test is performed
The test is performed in a hospital operating room using general anesthesia. You will likely be given an injected sedative about one hour before the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line is placed in a vein, usually in your arm.
Throughout the procedure, you are given a mixture of anesthetic gas and oxygen through a hollow tube that is inserted through your mouth and into the trachea.
A small incision is made in your neck .Usually either one half of the thyroid or a thyroid lump is removed.
The sample is sent to the laboratory to be examined while you are still on the operating table. The results of this study may determine the need for further removal of thyroid tissue.
The incision is then stitched closed.
How to prepare for the test
Inform the doctor of any drug allergies you have, which medications you are taking (including any herbal remedies), if you have bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant.
You must sign a consent form. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the biopsy.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.