Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the thyroid gland

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is a way to quickly and safely examine it, prevent diseases in time, and determine the best treatment tactics. Diseases of this organ often pass without any symptoms, while the consequences of such failures can be deplorable for the patient. Ultrasound diagnostics can determine changes in the structure and functioning of the organ, prevent the development of cancer or adenoma. Therefore, endocrinologists note the importance of such an examination even for healthy people. In what cases you need to undergo an examination, where to do it and how it will happen – you can find out from this article.

Why examine the thyroid gland

All glands in our body secrete hormones that regulate the functioning of internal organs and systems. Glands and hormones make up the human endocrine system. These include the thyroid gland.

Doctors recommend regular preventive examination of the thyroid gland for all people over 35 years of age. By this age, problems with this organ are quite common. Diseases of the endocrine system are also found in children, pregnant women, and young men. Timely diagnosis can prevent the development of pathologies in this area and avoid complications in the future.

Iron got its name from its shape. It is located in the neck under the thyroid cartilage, connects to the larynx and trachea. It is formed from the right and left lobes, which are connected by an isthmus. It performs two important functions: it stores iodine and produces hormones. These hormones, in turn, perform a number of other important health tasks. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine provide growth and physical development of the body, the lack of these components affects the appearance and functionality of internal organs. They also affect mental activity, blood pressure, vital activity.

Another important thyroid hormone is thyrocalcitonin. With its help, a normal level of calcium is maintained in the bone tissue. If the body lacks this mineral, then there is fragility of bones, teeth deteriorate, and the spine weakens. In some cases, the absence of thyrocalcitonin leads to too high calcium levels, which leads to no less serious consequences.

Together, malfunctions in the thyroid gland threaten with weight gain or critical weight loss, hair loss, the formation of tumors, depression, and lethargy. This picture is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children, the lack of hormones in this case leads to fetal pathologies, developmental delay, mental disorders and mental activity.

When to get tested

Ultrasound examination is carried out both for the diagnosis of diseases and for prevention. In the second case, it is recommended to undergo the procedure for people under the age of 50 once every 5 years. For those over 50 years old, the examination is carried out every 2 years. This is enough to prevent the development of diseases or malfunctions of the gland in time in the absence of complaints.

Ultrasound must be done during pregnancy to prevent problems with the growth of the fetus. It is not uncommon for children to have this test if they have developmental delays or other symptoms.

In most cases, the endocrinologist directs for diagnosis, but sometimes a doctor of another specialty may need data on the state of the hormone-producing organ.

The doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the thyroid gland:

• if there are seals in the throat area;
• when there are complaints of brittle nails, hair, dry skin, lethargy or agitation;
• with a visual increase in the thyroid gland;
• when planning a pregnancy;
• while carrying a child;
• if the cycle is disturbed in women;
• with tremor of the fingers;
• patients with arrhythmia;
• with a prolonged decrease or increase in temperature of an unknown nature.

Also, mandatory inspection is carried out for certain categories of people. These include those who work in difficult conditions and harmful environments (plants, factories, extractive industries, etc.). Periodic studies are indicated for people with a hereditary predisposition to endocrine diseases, since such patients are at risk. Taking hormonal drugs can also affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, so it is better to be examined after a course of treatment.

Some changes and pathologies of this organ may go unnoticed or with minimal symptoms. Often, signals about a problem in the hormonal background are not taken seriously by people, sometimes a person simply does not know which doctor to contact.

The reasons for an unscheduled inspection are:

• weight loss or gain for no apparent reason;
• profuse hair loss;
• sensation of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing;
• fatigue;
• depressive states: a sharp change in mood, apathy, tearfulness;
• loss of concentration;
• dry skin;
• elevated temperature, which does not subside for a long time;
• drowsiness, lethargy.

If among the reasons described there are one or more acquaintances, you should contact an endocrinologist or therapist. The doctor will prescribe an ultrasound diagnosis and treatment based on its results. If the data shows that everything is in order with the organ, the doctor will refer you to another specialist.

Preparing and conducting a survey

The process of wave diagnostics is very simple, you can go through it any day. Preparation is not needed, you just have to decide where to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, and choose a date. You do not need to follow any special diets, you can eat and drink before the examination. Women can have it at any stage of their menstrual cycle. You can bring a pack of wipes with you to your appointment to wipe off the gel.

It is better to choose clothes with an open neck for convenience during the diagnosis. The research process takes place in a special room equipped with a couch and equipment. The patient lies down, opens the throat area. A cushion is placed under his neck so that his head is thrown back. The doctor applies a little gel to the area to be examined and proceeds to the examination. The gel provides a smooth and comfortable glide of the sensor, prevents air from getting between the skin and the scanner of the device. It is absolutely safe, does not cause itching or redness, does not leave marks on clothes. The doctor moves the scanner along the area of ​​interest, at this moment the pressure of the sensor on the throat can lead to discomfort, but this quickly passes.

The sensor sends ultrasonic waves through the tissues of the body, the internal organs reflect these signals at different speeds. The result is converted on the screen, forming an image of the organs, in this case, the thyroid gland. The doctor carefully examines the sides of the neck and the front, draws up a conclusion. This concludes the entire research procedure for the patient. If a problem is found, the examination is followed by treatment.

Sometimes one procedure is not enough, because it is quite difficult to examine the area of ​​the thyroid gland – arteries, vessels, lymph nodes, muscles are grouped here. To make an accurate diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed additional tests and tests. You can examine this area in more detail based on the results of computed tomography or MRI. Additional information is provided by a blood test, biomaterial puncture, biopsy.

Explanation of results

During the examination, the doctor examines the organ and adjacent tissues, assesses their condition and functioning. To determine the results, the endocrinologist compares the data obtained with the standard indicators.

The doctor examines the thyroid gland in several ways:

1. Organ shape. Normally, it resembles a butterfly, contains an isthmus and two “wings”. Deformation of one of the parts means a disease, the cause of which will be established.
2. Location. Typically, the gland is located in the front of the neck, in the lower section or in the middle. A shift to other areas, usually to the root of the tongue, indicates pathology.
3. Outline of the gland. It is considered normal if the contours are clearly visible. If they are blurred in the image, this indicates an inflammatory process.
4. Volume and size. Each group of patients has its own normative indicators for the volume and size of the organ. The doctor summarizes the data of the two lobes and the isthmus, makes a record of deviations, or their absence.
5. Structure and echogenicity. Depending on the tissue density, the signal colors the image into dark spots. Black or dark gray areas indicate inflammation and other problems.
6. The process of blood supply.

If all parameters are in order, the patient is healthy. Changes in one or more criteria require treatment. An important aspect in the diagnosis is the echogenicity of the glandular tissue. A healthy organ is characterized by small blotches on a light gray background, there should be no signs of seals. If bright areas with clear contours are found, the doctor may suspect a benign tumor (adenoma), if the neoplasm is blurry and dark, these are signs of cancer. Also, hollow areas with fluid inside mean a cyst.

Adults

The classical parameters of the size and volume of the thyroid gland depend on the age of the patient, his gender and weight. The endocrinologist has a table of norms, according to which he determines the quality of the data received. In men, this volume is 25 cm3, for ladies, the normal figure is 18 cm3. In this case, the doctor takes into account the weight of the subject, as it affects the volume of the gland.

Also, in women, the indicators may deviate slightly against the background of hormonal surges during menstruation. Pregnancy also sometimes changes the described parameters. When calculating, the doctor takes into account the ratio of the two shares, they must be the same, and the size of the isthmus. During ultrasound, the parathyroid glands, lymph nodes, and blood vessels are also examined and evaluated.

Children

Children are characterized by the same evaluation criteria, but other normative indicators. Among one-year-olds, normal indicators may differ by 1-1,5 cm3. Regulations vary depending on the age of the child.

In the protocol, the doctor will describe each criterion separately. If no problems are found, then in the description of the shape, size and volume make a note “classic”. The absence of deviations and neoplasms is noted – “pathological deviations were not found.” If a disease is detected, it will be indicated in the conclusion. With the missing size of the organ, hypothyroidism is diagnosed, in which the functionality of the endocrine system is reduced. An enlarged size indicates thyroiditis, a disease in which the gland is overactive. During the examination, cysts, goiter, benign or malignant tumors can be detected.

If a pathology is detected, additional examinations may be necessary. Then the patient is prescribed a course of treatment, in severe cases, surgery or chemotherapy is needed.

Where to get an ultrasound of the thyroid gland

Ultrasound is a very common and affordable service. You can undergo such a procedure in any medical institution: clinic, hospital, hospital, private diagnostic center. When deciding where to do an ultrasound, you should pay attention to the competence and experience of doctors. The accuracy of the diagnosis, as well as the quality of treatment, also depends on the skills of the doctor. If the choice falls on a private clinic, the website of the institution should have reviews from patients. You can also look for “live” responses and find a good doctor on the city forum. Not necessarily a competent physician is available only in a private medical center; in state clinics, doctors regularly undergo advanced training and certification.

The price of ultrasound in private institutions will be 20-25 dollars. The price includes a doctor’s appointment, procedure, interpretation of the results. Re-examination to control the course of treatment will cost 5-10 dollars. Puncture and biopsy under ultrasound control – 40-60 dollars. At a public hospital, hospital, or clinic, a parathyroid and thyroid test costs up to $15 or is free.

Alternative research methods – CT and MRI – will cost 60-100 dollars, they provide more comprehensive information, but are prescribed only when the wave examination does not provide the necessary data. As you can see, ultrasound has become the main way to diagnose thyroid diseases due to the availability, safety and accuracy of the results. It is important to remember that a timely visit to the doctor will prevent the risk of developing diseases and subsequent treatment.