Fine needle aspiration biopsy (TAPB) of the thyroid gland is a procedure used to collect cells using a laboratory needle to determine if a nodule is benign or malignant (cancer). The study is prescribed without fail to confirm or reject a suspicion of a malignant process in the thyroid gland. Nodular goiter is the main indication for thyroid biopsy.  

Nodules in the thyroid gland are very common and are detected in two out of three patients during ultrasound. More than half of women over 50 have thyroid nodules. When identifying a node, the main problem is to determine which nodes should be feared, and which ones can be simply observed. According to the results of many years of research carried out by large endocrine clinics, about 90% of the identified “nodes” are benign and do not require special (surgical) tactics. In order to understand the nature of the cellular composition of the “node” in a number of cases, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland is shown.

Fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland is the most informative morphological method of research, which makes it possible to assess the nature of the nodes and seals in the thyroid gland. The accuracy of the results is 98%, which makes it possible to use it in all clinical cases with suspected cancer. The development of a plan and tactics for further treatment depends on the results of TAPB.

Thyroid biopsy is a fairly common procedure, as endocrine disorders are common.

INDICATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THYROID TAPB:

1. Nodules equal to or exceeding 1 cm in diameter (identified by palpation and / or ultrasound);

2. Conducting TAB (under ultrasound control) in case of accidentally detected formations of a smaller diameter is advisable only if a malignant tumor is suspected according to ultrasound;

3. Clinically significant increase in the previously identified nodular formation of the thyroid gland during dynamic observation;

PREPARATION FOR CONDUCTING AN ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF THE THYROID

Fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland does not cause any particular difficulties. It is carried out by careful penetration of a thin needle into the examined node under ultrasound control. There are no special preparation measures, the patient can take food and liquid before the procedure in the usual amount. 

HOW IS THYROID TAPB PROCEDURE DONE?

An aspiration biopsy is performed under ultrasound guidance using a conventional syringe. Anesthesia is not required when performing TAB. In the course of TAB, cells are taken directly from the identified nodule with a syringe. The puncture is performed with an ordinary 5 or 10 ml syringe with a standard needle and practically does not cause pain, does not require special preparation and takes about 1-2 minutes. Minutes after the puncture biopsy, the patient can leave the clinic and return to their normal activities.

During a thyroid biopsy, the patient is in a supine position with a cylindrical pillow under the head. This position allows you to comfortably position the head and more accurately penetrate the thyroid gland. The procedure does not provide for the occurrence of complications, the only thing that can accompany the patient is slight dizziness and a small hematoma at the puncture site.
After the procedure, the puncture site is lubricated with an antiseptic solution and sealed with a bactericidal plaster. The biopsy procedure does not provoke complications, already a few hours after the procedure, the patient can take a shower, eat and exercise.