Thyroid Imaging Studies And Diagnostic Procedures

Imaging studies are done to visualize the affected part of the body. If the doctor suspects abnormality in the thyroid gland upon clinical assessment, he may suggest further studies such as imaging tests. Examples include the following:

• Computed Tomography Scan – detects and diagnoses Goiter or enlargement of the nodules.
• Nuclear / Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAI-U) – spots Grave’s disease and tells whether the disorder you have is multinodular or thyroiditis.
• Thyroid Ultrasound – ultrasounds are done to detect nodules that are filled with cyst or tissue. This test also evaluates the lumps, nodules, and size of your thyroid gland.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies – evaluates the shape and size of the thyroid gland

Blood Tests for Thyroid Disorders

Some of the blood tests may be done initially or repeated a few times. The doctor will order such tests and will also be responsible for reading the results.

• Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)
• Thyroid Receptor Antibodies (TRAb)
• Thyroglobulin Antibodies or Antithyroglobulin Antibodies
• Antimicrosomal Antibodies or Antithyroid Microsomal Antibodies
• Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies or Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)
• Reverse T3
• Thyroid Binding Globulin or Thyroglobulin
• Free Triiodothyronine or Free T3
• Total Triiodothyronine or Total T3
• T3 Resin Uptake
• Free Thyroxine or Free T4
• Total Thyroxine or Total T4
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test

Biopsy Procedures for Thyroid Disorders

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy or FNAB is done to detect the presence of cancer cells in the thyroid tissues. If the doctor suspects any malignancy in your thyroid symptoms, he may order a biopsy to rule out or confirm the diagnosis.

The needle is directly inserted into the thyroid tissue. A topical anesthetic may or may not be given. Cells are withdrawn using the needle and sent to the laboratory for further evaluation.