Thyroid and Lymph Node Puncture
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower part of the neck.
Its role is to produce hormones that are secreted into the blood and then transported to every tissue in the body. Its hormones help the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the heart, brain, muscles, and other organs working properly.
What preparation is needed for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid?
If the patient is taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, these should be temporarily discontinued in view of the thyroid biopsy because they may increase the risk of bleeding. Instructions for stopping these medications should be obtained from the doctor who prescribed them.
You generally do not need to fast on the day of your appointment.
You should not wear any jewelry around your neck to make the procedure easier.
How is a thyroid puncture performed?
- The throat is first cleaned with an antiseptic.
- We may apply a local anesthetic.
- For the biopsy, we will use a very fine needle to take cells from the thyroid nodule. The needle used is the smallest in diameter of those used in most blood draws.
- The doctor inserts the needle through the skin into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance.
- After the sample is taken, which takes seconds, the needle will be removed. New needles are used for additional samples.
- Many cell samples are taken from different parts of the nodule. This ensures a better chance of finding cancer cells if any.
- If there is fluid in the nodule, a syringe can be used to remove the fluid.
- Once the biopsy is complete, gentle pressure will be applied locally.
- The procedure takes less than half an hour.
Complications from a thyroid biopsy are rare and the most common complications are discomfort, small to moderate hematoma, and insufficient sampling.
The biopsy samples are placed on slides and the solution that results from the wash (from the excess) can also be collected. The cytologist will examine the sample.
Drainage of a cystic nodule – Drainage puncture
If the nodule is cystic, the fluid can be removed and sent for cytological examination. Sometimes removing the fluid can relieve the patient.
How long does it take for the results of the puncture to come out
Three working days.
