Thyroid Ultrasound
Alternate Names : Thyroid Echogram, Thyroid Sonogram, Ultrasound - Thyroid
Definition The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that regulates metabolism. Ultrasound is a painless method of examining the thyroid. This test involves high-frequency sound waves that are emitted and received by a transducer (a handheld instrument), and the sound waves penetrate the body. The sound waves are arranged into an image seen on a screen, based on the way they bounce off of the various body structures.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Ultrasound is usually performed on the thyroid to differentiate between a cyst (a sac containing fluid) and a tumor (an abnormal tissue growth that may or may not be cancerous).
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