La thyroid scan allows you to observe the morphology and function of the thyroid, a small hormonal glands located at the base of the neck.

Scintigraphy is a imaging technique which consists in administering to the patient a radioactive tracer, which spreads in the body or in the organs to be examined. Thus, it is the patient who “emits” the radiation that will be picked up by the device (unlike radiography, where the radiation is emitted by the device).

This exam is used for various indications. It is central to finding the cause of a hyperthyroidism, that is, an excessive secretion of thyroid hormones.

In general, we can also use it for the following cases:

• bychanges in thyroid function, to identify various conditions such as Graves’ disease thyroiditis, the nodules, etc.
• in case of’hypothyroidismin the newborn, to understand the cause
• in case of nodules on the thyroid, goiter and cancers
• a cas de cancer, to eliminate residual cancer cells: radioactive iodine is administered which destroys them, and a total body scintigraphy can be performed to visualize any metastases.

Thyroid scintigraphy does not require special preparation and is painless. However, it is essential to inform the doctor of any possibility of pregnancy.

If you are taking thyroid hormone therapy, you will likely be asked to stop it several days before the test.

Before the examination, the medical staff injects a slightly radioactive product into a vein in the patient’s arm. This is usually iodine-123, which binds to thyroid cells, or sometimes technetium-99.

In therapeutic indications (treatment of hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer), iodine-131 is used.

After the injection, it is necessary to wait about 30 minutes for the product to bind to the thyroid. To take the pictures, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. A special camera (gamma camera or scintillation camera) will move quickly above you.

It is enough to remain motionless for fifteen minutes during the acquisition of the images.

After the examination, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to facilitate the elimination of the product.

Thyroid scintigraphy can find the cause of hyperthyroidism or better characterize thyroid nodules, among other indications.

To give you the results, the doctor may rely on other examinations (results of blood tests, ultrasounds, etc.) and on the symptoms.

Appropriate care and follow-up will be offered to you.

Scintigraphy can also be used as a treatment for thyroid cancer.