THYROID ULTRASOUND IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR EARLY DETECTION OF THYROID DISEASES

Thyroid ultrasound is a common and important imaging method that helps detect early abnormalities and diseases related to the thyroid gland. This is a safe, non-invasive technique and plays an important role in monitoring thyroid health, especially for those at high risk or who have had abnormal symptoms.

1. What is thyroid ultrasound?

Thyroid ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland - an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, which plays an important role in producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolic activities. By observing the image of the thyroid gland through ultrasound, the doctor can evaluate the size, structure and detect tumors or abnormalities if any.

2. Why is thyroid ultrasound needed?

Thyroid ultrasound is recommended when there are abnormal symptoms or risk of thyroid disease. This is the first diagnostic method to help detect early diseases such as:

2.1. Detecting goiter and thyroid nodules

Thyroid ultrasound can detect thyroid tumors or nodules – hard or soft nodules that form inside the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant, and ultrasound can help determine their size, location, and other characteristics. This is important for timely follow-up and treatment.

2.2. Diagnosis of thyroiditis

Thyroiditis can cause swelling, pain in the neck and affect thyroid function. Ultrasound helps identify inflammation and assess the extent of damage to the thyroid gland, thereby providing appropriate treatment.

2.3. Detecting thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers but has a good prognosis if detected early. Ultrasound can help detect early signs of thyroid cancer, including solid, irregularly shaped nodules and microcalcifications – features commonly seen in malignant tumors.

3. Thyroid ultrasound procedure

Thyroid ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure that requires no preparation. The patient simply lies on his back with his neck tilted back slightly so that the doctor can easily access the neck area.

• Step 1 : The doctor applies a layer of gel to the neck area so that the ultrasound probe can move easily and transmit sound waves better.
• Step 2 : The ultrasound probe will be moved back and forth over the neck area to collect images of the thyroid gland.
• Step 3 : The image of the thyroid gland will be displayed directly on the screen, helping the doctor observe and evaluate the condition of the thyroid gland.

The procedure only takes about 10-15 minutes and once completed, the patient can return to normal activities immediately.

4. Who should have a thyroid ultrasound?

Thyroid ultrasound is a safe procedure and can be performed on everyone. However, for those at high risk or who have experienced abnormal symptoms related to the thyroid, periodic ultrasound is very important. Subjects who should have thyroid ultrasound include:

• People with abnormal symptoms such as neck swelling, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and prolonged hoarseness.
• People with a family history of thyroid disease.
• People with autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• People with abnormal thyroid hormone test results.
• People who have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules need to monitor the size and nature of the nodules.

5. Benefits of thyroid ultrasound

Thyroid ultrasound not only helps detect dangerous diseases early but also brings many benefits for health management and monitoring:

• Non-invasive : This method is completely painless, does not require aspiration or radiation.
• Accurate and fast : Ultrasound results are displayed immediately, making it easy for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis.
• Cost savings : Compared with other imaging diagnostic methods such as CT or MRI, ultrasound is less expensive but still highly effective in diagnosing thyroid diseases.

6. Conclusion

Thyroid ultrasound is a simple, effective and safe diagnostic method that helps detect thyroid diseases early. For people with abnormal symptoms or in high-risk groups, performing regular ultrasound will help monitor thyroid status and detect health problems early. Go to reputable medical facilities to perform ultrasound and receive advice from specialists to protect the health of you and your family.