Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound

Parathyroid and Thyroid Ultrasound, Ultrasound, Parathyroid, Utrasound, Thyroid

What To Think About

• A radioactive thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test are nuclear medicine tests that use a radioactive substance to see how well the thyroid is working and identify thyroid problems. For more information, see the medical test Thyroid Scan.
• A thyroid ultrasound does not use a radioactive substance; it is easier to perform and is less expensive than a radioactive thyroid scan or RAIU test. However, a thyroid ultrasound does not provide information about how well the thyroid gland is working.
• A thyroid ultrasound may be done at the same time as an RAIU test. RAIU testing is used more often than a thyroid ultrasound to identify problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. A thyroid ultrasound can be used to identify different types of thyroid problems, especially problems such as thyroid nodules.
• Thyroid nodules are common, especially in women and older people. Since only a small number of thyroid nodules contain cancer cells, most doctors initially choose to watch the nodule closely instead of using surgery to remove it.
• Thyroid ultrasound can usually show the difference between a cyst, a solid nodule, or another type of mass that needs further testing. A fluid-filled sac that is smooth and round and that does not have any particles floating in it is likely to be a simple cyst. A lump that does not have any fluid or that has fluid with floating particles needs to be checked more closely. If a solid nodule is found, a thyroid biopsy may be needed.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.