Several decades ago, only a visual examination of the thyroid gland by palpation was carried out. Now with the help of ultrasound it is possible to assess its size, structure, and also to identify neoplasms. The procedure is an indispensable diagnostic method for studying the functioning of the organ and making an accurate diagnosis. Consider how to properly prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, are there any features for men and women, is it possible to make a diagnosis by this method during pregnancy and during the menstrual cycle.
What is a thyroid ultrasound?
The thyroid gland is a kind of shield for the whole organism. Many organs and systems depend on it, since it participates in almost every metabolic process, affectson the digestive tract, mental, physical and reproductive development.
Many are interested in the question of how to prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland? . What does this method show. Diagnosis using ultrasound helps to assess the size of the gland, its shape, mass, as well as the presence of cysts, nodules or tumors in its structure. Direction on ultrasound is given by an endocrinologist. If there is even the slightest deviation from the norm, the patient is assigned a series of laboratory tests, including blood for hormones. Only after such an examination, therapy is prescribed.
An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is carried out in a special room, where there is appropriate equipment. Using the sensor, the image is processed by the computer and displayed on the monitor.
Indications for thyroid ultrasound
Before preparing for a thyroid ultrasound examination, the doctor performs a visual examination of the front of the neck. It is worth noting that the endocrinologist prescribes this method of examination in the presence of certain factors.
Indications for thyroid ultrasound:
- deformity of the neck area, determined by visual examination;
- weight gain for no apparent reason;
- lagging behind in physical or mental development;
- enlarged lymph nodes are felt on palpation;
- pain in the neck (pain in swallowing, sensation of a lump in the throat);
- menstrual irregularities in women or problems with the reproductive system;
- rapid heart rate.
Thyroid ultrasound is a safe research method, so it can be performed even in newborn babies. There are no contraindications to the procedure. Doctors advise doing such a manipulation once a year as a preventive measure for each person. Thus, it is possible to control the work of the body and take action in case of any violations.
Which symptoms warrant a thyroid exam?
There are a number of signs that should alert a person and encourage him to conduct a thyroid examination. Most often, violations in the work of this organ are associated with a deficiency of iodine in the body, which comes with water or food.
Preparation for thyroid ultrasound in men, women and children is carried out when a number of clinical signs are detected, namely:
- disturbed sleep pattern - constant drowsiness or vice versa insomnia;
- dramatic weight change - obesity or weight loss;
- disorders in the cardiovascular system;
- sharp mood swings - apathy, aggression, tearfulness;
- deterioration of appearance - hair loss, increased fragility of nails and dry skin;
- change in body temperature - with hypofunction, the temperature is up to 36.0 degrees, with hyperfunction, it stays at around 37.5 degrees.
Symptomatics can be observed as a whole, and some individual factors can be present. In order not to start the pathology, it is recommended to be examined and treated.
Advantages of ultrasound
Before you prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, doctors advise you to familiarize yourself with the advantages of this diagnostic method of examination and talk about the following advantages of the procedure:
- accessibility of the study - ultrasound can be done both routinely and urgently on a paid or free basis;
- painless - the method is non-invasive, non-traumatic and does not cause side effects or complications;
- informative - not only the presence of the pathology itself is revealed, but also the structure of the organ, its functionality and character;
- speed - the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes, the result is issued immediately;
- the possibility of a biopsy - if necessary, you can also take a puncture, that is, take an organ tissue sample for further examination during an ultrasound scan.
Despite the obvious advantages, there is also a disadvantage of this survey. It lies in the fact that the effectiveness of the procedure depends primarily on the class of equipment, as well as on the qualifications of the specialist who conducts ultrasound.
How to prepare for a thyroid ultrasound?
Thyroid ultrasound is a fast, efficient and effective diagnostic method and does not require special preparation. You can lead a normal life, do not limit physical activity. You can take a clean diaper or towel with you to the appointment to wipe off the gel or lie down on the couch. This is relevant when conducting a survey in state institutions or in rural areas, wheresave on disposable wipes.
Preparation for thyroid ultrasound in men is exactly the same as in women and children. The procedure can be done on any day. Before the procedure, the doctor may order a series of laboratory tests to determine the level of hormones in the blood. Such analyzes as T3, TSH, T4, AT to TG, AT to TPO and TG are given. Only if all these studies are available, the final diagnosis is made and therapy is prescribed.
Can I eat before a thyroid ultrasound?
Questions are often asked not only how to prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, how the procedure is done, but also whether it is possible to eat immediately before the examination. It should be understood that the organ is not connected with the digestive system, so you do not need to deny yourself food or adhere to a dietary diet. The only restriction may be in children, pregnant women or the elderly. Doctors do not advise them to eat tightly immediately before the procedure. A sensor on their neck can cause them to gag.
It is also worth refusing to eat for those people who have individual characteristics of the body that can react to the pressure of the sensor on the neck. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, you should refrain from eating at least four hours before the procedure.
What clothes should I wear?
I am interested in the question of how to prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a woman, namely what to wear? There are no special wardrobe restrictions. SpecialistsIt is advised to wear clothes that do not hinder movement and open access to the neck. Indeed, during an ultrasound, you will need to take a prone position and tilt your head back a little.
If the outfit will cover the neck, the doctor may ask to undress to the waist. Also, beads or chains can interfere with ultrasound. All this is negotiated directly on the spot.
Can I have a thyroid ultrasound during my period?
How to prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland for a woman, because this organ has a significant impact on her hormonal levels? Is it possible to conduct an examination during critical days? Experts still advise not to do ultrasound at this time. This is primarily due to the characteristics of the female body. Depending on the period of the menstrual cycle, the organ can increase in size up to 40%, so the results may be somewhat distorted.
Most often, an ultrasound is prescribed for a woman 7-10 days after the end of menstruation. This period is the most informative and productive.
What not to do before thyroid ultrasound?
Before you prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the doctor should inform you about what is not recommended before the examination.
Restrictions before thyroid ultrasound:
- Don't take hormonal or iodine-containing drugs for several days.
- You should stop smoking. Nicotineprovokes an increase in the thyroid gland, so it will not work to get reliable results.
- Need to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages. Under the influence of alcohols, the vessels can not only expand, but also narrow in the long term, which can also distort the information content of the examination, not to mention the aesthetic side.
- Excessive exercise experts advise both women and men to stop the day before the examination. How to prepare for a thyroid ultrasound is a concern for almost all adequate patients, and this issue is no exception for athletes.
- Excitement and stress will get in the way, so you should take a light sedative before the examination.
How is the procedure performed?
Having figured out how to prepare for an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, it is worth learning about what the procedure is. The patient assumes a prone position, a small soft roller is placed under the shoulder blades, thereby tilting the head slightly back. If the posture causes discomfort to the patient, the examination can be performed while sitting.
Gel is applied to a special sensor and to the neck area. It is needed so that there is no air between the device and the skin, as it prevents the image from being transferred to the computer and, accordingly, to the monitor. The gel-like consistency is hypoallergenic, it does not have a strong odor, so it does not cause any discomfort. After the procedure, it is simply washed off with a napkin.
A thorough inspection is carried out with the help of a linear probeeach share. At the same time, indications such as length, width and thickness are recorded, which is calculated instantly by a computer. After measurements, the specialist evaluates the structure of the thyroid tissue and describes all the characteristics of focal formations, if any.
The duration of the study is no more than 20 minutes. Most often, the picture of the organ that is displayed on the screen is black and white. Sometimes the conclusions obtained through ultrasound can scare the patient, but it is worth remembering that this is not yet the final diagnosis. For confirmation, a number of laboratory tests are required. Perhaps also taking a puncture for a more detailed study of the structure of the nodule, cyst or neoplasm.
Even if malignant neoplasms are suspected and detected at an early stage, the outcome of therapy or surgery in most cases is favorable.
There is also such a research method as CDM (color Doppler mapping), during which the blood flow is visualized. There is elastography, which is a modification of ultrasound and helps to improve diagnosis in the detection of malignant neoplasms. With the help of such a study, thyroid cancer, adenoma and colloid cysts can be detected, which cannot be distinguished with conventional ultrasound.
Features during pregnancy
The fair sex is more likely than men to experience such a pathology as an enlarged thyroid gland. The disease is inherited from mother to daughter. In the body of a pregnant woman, whenthere is a hormonal failure and the whole body is rebuilt, disturbances in the thyroid gland may appear. After all, hormones during the bearing of a baby affect not only how the pregnancy goes, but also how the baby develops in the womb.
Disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland can lead to serious consequences and even termination of pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct ultrasound as a diagnostic for all pregnant women. This procedure is not harmful and does not harm the developing body of the baby. It does not require special preparation and can be recommended for a future mother, regardless of the term.
