Thyroid ultrasound is an affordable, painless and safe way of early diagnosis of thyroid pathology.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland (ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland) is an examination of the thyroid gland using ultrasound, which makes it possible to determine its size, shape, structure, the presence of pathological formations (nodes, cysts). 

The thyroid gland is located in a person in the lower part of the front surface of the neck. With the help of a sensor placed on the skin in the projection of the thyroid gland, the diagnostic device sends ultrasonic vibrations in the direction of the gland. With the help of computer processing, an image of the thyroid gland is formed on the screen. 

The examination is absolutely painless and takes 10-15 minutes. The patient is asked to expose the neck area, lie on his back and relax. A small amount of transparent gel is applied to the skin to improve the glide of the sensor. The research results are recorded in a special protocol. Sometimes a “photo” of the thyroid gland is attached to it.

The main parameters measured during ultrasound of the thyroid gland: the size of the gland and its volume, the contours of the gland, echogenicity (density of the gland tissue), echo structure (presence or absence of foci of compaction or rarefaction of the gland tissue), characteristics of pathological formations, if any (size, location , the presence of calcifications, etc.), in addition, the lymph nodes located near the thyroid gland are examined.

In what cases is an ultrasound of the thyroid gland prescribed?

• planned annual examination in areas with increased background radiation, iodine deficiency;
• routine examination among certain groups of the population (pregnant women, persons exposed to increased radiation exposure);
• if you suspect a thyroid disease ; 
• in unclear cases with cardiac arrhythmias, infertility, menstrual irregularities, prolonged subfebrile condition, sharp fluctuations in body weight.

Preparation for ultrasound of the thyroid gland

No special training is required.

Normal values ​​of ultrasound of the thyroid gland

The volume of the thyroid gland in women is 4.4–18 ml, in men – 7.7–25 ml. Against the background of pregnancy, the size of the gland may increase slightly, but the volume should not exceed 20 ml. In children, the normal volume of the thyroid gland depends on the height and weight of the child and is calculated using a special formula. The thyroid gland should have smooth and clear contours, a homogeneous structure, normal echogenicity (no nodes, cysts).

Interpretation of thyroid ultrasound results

If the thyroid gland is enlarged, diffuse goiter is likely to develop. This condition requires further diagnosis ( blood test for thyroid hormones ) and treatment by an endocrinologist.

The enlargement of the thyroid gland due to the nodes requires in-depth diagnosis. On ultrasound signs, the doctor can assume a benign or malignant nature of the growth of the nodes. In some cases, a biopsy of the node is required (taking a piece of tissue for analysis) in order to clarify the diagnosis and determine the tactics of treatment.

Inhomogeneity of the structure, indistinctness of the contours may indicate the development of inflammation of the thyroid gland – thyroiditis.