When it comes to a thyroid biopsy, the main reason someone needs one is if they have an abnormal growth or lump on their thyroid. If you have a goitre or an enlargement of your thyroid, your doctor may want to do a biopsy to rule out cancer. In addition, if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you may need a Newport Beach thyroid nodule biopsy to look for the cause of these symptoms.
A thyroid biopsy is an easy, quick, and painless procedure. You will experience some pressure on your throat as the needle enters your skin to get the sample from your thyroid gland.
Below is a deeper explained version of the genuine reasons why you would need a thyroid nodule biopsy:
If there is an abnormal growth or lump on your thyroid
When this is the case, your doctor will need to rule out whether the lump is cancerous or not. If it is benign, you won’t have to treat it. However, if it is cancerous, you will have to get treatment.
Most specialists recommend total thyroidectomy, which removes your entire thyroid gland. This treatment is most often recommended for people with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. However, it can also be an option for medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
If you have a goiter
A goiter is an enlargement of your thyroid gland, and some factors can cause it. In some cases, this enlargement is benign and doesn’t require treatment. But in other cases, your doctor may recommend a thyroid biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer or other thyroid conditions.
If you have symptoms like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
A thyroid biopsy can help your doctor determine the cause of these symptoms. In some cases, these symptoms are caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects your thyroid gland. A biopsy can also diagnose Hashimoto’s disease, another autoimmune disorder that affects your thyroid.
If you have a family history of thyroid cancer
If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has had thyroid cancer, you may be at an increased risk for the disease. In this case, your doctor may recommend a thyroid biopsy to screen for cancer.
If you have been exposed to radiation
If you have been exposed to high radiation levels, either through medical treatment or exposure to nuclear fallout, you may be at an increased risk for thyroid cancer. In this case, your doctor may recommend a thyroid biopsy to screen for cancer.
If you have an abnormal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level
A thyroid biopsy can help your doctor determine if your abnormal TSH levels are caused by an underlying condition like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or Hashimoto’s disease. If an under or overactive thyroid gland is causing the imbalance, it will need to be treated.
If you are considering a thyroid biopsy, talking to Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, about your treatment options is essential. Your doctor will be able to help you understand the risks and benefits associated with a thyroid biopsy so that you can make an informed decision about your health care.
