Ultrasound-guided puncture of the thyroid gland. Rules for preparing for fine-needle biopsy of thyroid nodules Tab of the node of the right lobe of the thyroid gland

Today, treating specialists use a huge number of different diagnostic methods that allow them to quickly and accurately determine the state of the human endocrine system.

One of the most important tests is FNA of the thyroid gland, which helps determine whether the formed nodule is malignant or not.

It should be noted that without this procedure you cannot be prescribed further therapy for thyroid diseases.

The results of FNA of the thyroid gland help determine further options: to operate, perform minimally invasive interventions, prescribe hormonal drugs, or simply wait for changes.

Important: Despite its informative value, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland cannot replace fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

According to research by the World Health Organization, ultrasound does not have the same accuracy that can be obtained using FNA.

This diagnostic method can determine the size and location of the node, but will not tell what nature the formation is: benign or malignant.

If the doctor chooses a treatment strategy without performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland, one cannot be sure.

Indications for performing TAB of the thyroid gland

is a study during which a doctor, under the strict control of an ultrasound diagnostic device, removes a small amount of internal fluid with a thin needle.

The diameter of the needle that is inserted into the patient’s neck should not exceed 1 millimeter. Thanks to this, the person practically does not feel any unpleasant or painful moments during the examination, and this also allows not to leave marks on the skin.

TAB received this name because of the essence of the study - pumping out cells from the formed node.

In most cases, this diagnostic method is prescribed for:

Observation of too rapid growth of the node - if the rate of this increase exceeds 2 millimeters per six months.
The appearance of one or more nodes whose size exceeds 1 centimeter. If a single node does not exceed this size, it is not dangerous for the body and no additional research is required. the only exception is the presence of thyroid cancer in close relatives or the diagnosis of a clearly uneven outline.
During preparation, a knot is discovered whose size exceeds half a centimeter.

It should be noted that ordering a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland is not a reason to panic.

In the vast majority of cases, doctors send patients for this study if any dangers or genetic predisposition arise.

Important: 90% of the results show that the thyroid gland is enlarged not due to cancer.

Despite this, oncology detected in the early stages is not difficult to treat.

This is due to the fact that while inserting the needle, the doctor touched a hole, from which a certain amount of thyroid hormone entered the blood.

This phenomenon is completely safe and does not require special treatment.

Infection of the body, which occurs due to insufficient disinfection of the devices used, can also provoke complications.

This phenomenon can be recognized by inflammation of the treated area, enlargement of the lymph nodes, the appearance of mild pain, and the appearance of a feverish state.

Such a consequence of the study requires immediate medical attention, as complications may arise.

Also, when assessing the consequences of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to take into account the fact that this organ is supplied with blood and contains a huge number of small capillaries.

Due to inaccurate hand movement, the doctor can get the needle into such a suck, which will cause slight but prolonged bleeding and soreness.

This phenomenon is completely safe and does not require special assistance. However, if discomfort continues for a long time, consult a doctor.

New growths in the thyroid tissue are always a cause for concern, especially in people with a history of problems with this organ. According to statistics, about 5-6% of all identified thyroid nodules are defined as malignant, and in other cases they do not have a tendency to degenerate into cancer. Given this ratio, the priority is not to completely remove any nodes, but to accurately determine their nature using FNAB of the thyroid gland.

What is Thyroid Tab

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to determine the nature of the compactions in the thyroid tissue and develop a strategy for further treatment.

FNA involves taking the substance that makes up the node using a syringe and the thinnest possible needle (0.6 mm).

The doctor conducts a cytological examination of the contents and, based on its results, determines the type of tumor, the need for surgery, and the method of conservative treatment or maintenance therapy.

Indications and contraindications

TNA of the thyroid gland is indicated when nodules are detected whose size exceeds 1 cm according to the results of ultrasound or palpation. Smaller lesions have no clinical significance, even if they turn out to be malignant. Exceptions are the following situations in which TAB of the gland is performed for smaller nodules:

the patient has been exposed to radiation at least once in his life;
the patient has a family history of thyroid cancer;
Ultrasound examination reveals compactions less than 1 cm, but with characteristic signs of malignant pathology.

A thyroid biopsy is not performed if the patient has the following conditions:

the size of the nodes is less than 0.5 cm - the quality of the material obtained will not provide an accurate diagnosis;
acute, subacute thyroiditis;
uncompensated thyrotoxicosis;
violations of the permeability of vascular walls and blood clotting;
mental disorders.

The feasibility and safety of performing a fine-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland is determined by the doctor, assessing the patient’s condition on the day of the procedure. If there are heart rhythm disturbances or problems with blood pressure, the procedure is canceled.

Where can I get the analysis done?

It is desirable that at least 40 ultrasound-guided puncture biopsies of the thyroid gland are performed in this institution per week in compliance with all necessary sterility requirements.

In addition, when choosing a clinic, it is better to make sure that the cytological examination of the gland material is carried out by an experienced specialist. According to statistics, in some regions of the country up to 50% of FNA results were subsequently refuted by histological examination due to insufficient qualifications of the doctor or the use of an outdated classification of the nature of the detected nodes.

Preparation for the procedure

Immediately before a thyroid biopsy, the patient does not require specific preparation. When issuing a referral, the doctor will give a list of necessary tests that will need to be done in advance:

general blood analysis;
blood clotting test;
blood test for TSH and free T4;
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

How is TAB performed?

The procedure for fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland is almost always performed under ultrasound guidance. This method is recognized to be many times more accurate than biopsy accompanied by palpation, as was done previously. The contents of the gland nodes are collected by a surgeon or endocrinologist using a syringe with a capacity of 10 or 20 ml and the thinnest possible needle, which ensures the purity of the obtained material by reducing the likelihood of blood entering at the time of insertion or extraction.

The TAB feels almost painless, so there is no need for anesthesia: puncture with a thin needle causes less pain than anesthesia, and the collection procedure time does not exceed 10 seconds.

For patients with sensitive skin, the doctor may pre-treat the puncture site with an anesthetic spray or cream.

Observing the position of the needle on the ultrasound machine screen, the doctor takes the walls of the seal, since signs of malignancy are found in these tissues. To collect the required amount of material, the doctor makes 2-3 punctures. After the puncture, a sterile gauze ball is applied to the puncture site for 5-10 minutes, after this time the patient can get up.

Results and their interpretation

The result of the biopsy represents data on the size and location of the node, its sonographic parameters, the results of a cytological examination of the obtained material and a conclusion about the nature of the neoplasm. This information allows the attending endocrinologist to assess the patient’s condition, make a diagnosis and make a decision regarding further therapy.

The results of TAB, according to the standard classification adopted in 2010, are divided into several groups:

Uninformative result. Most often, in this case, the biopsy procedure is repeated.
Colloidal node. Benign formation that does not require surgical treatment. This result occurs in about 80% of all TAB procedures.
Indeterminate follicular lesion.
Follicular tumor. In most cases, surgery will be required.
Suspicion of a malignant tumor of the gland. If a result belonging to group 5 is obtained, a repeat biopsy is performed to clarify it.
Thyroid cancer. At this stage, the tumor can be classified into medullary, papillary, anaplastic, or poorly differentiated carcinoma.

Possible consequences

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is considered a safe procedure, but sometimes there are consequences that the patient pays attention to. For example, there may be a slight bruise where the skin is punctured.

If the doctor was careful, this mark from a thin needle will disappear without a trace in a couple of days.

Sometimes, some time after TAB, the patient may notice symptoms of a mild form of thyrotoxicosis: palpitations, sweating, dizziness, mood swings. This occurs if a small amount of thyroid hormones enters the blood during the puncture. This condition is not dangerous and does not require any action, because After some time it goes away on its own.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy, also known as FNA, has recently become widespread.

The high information content of this study allows for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules at an early stage, which significantly increases the patients’ chances of recovery.

Most people have no idea what TAB is and why the cost of research is so high, so there are more than enough myths and speculation about the procedure.

Biopsy is pain and anesthesia

The essence of the procedure is to collect thyroid tissue for cytological examination. Most people assume that the removal of living tissue for analysis must be painful, and many are extremely surprised to learn that anesthesia and local anesthesia are not required for FNA.

A fine-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland is performed quickly and virtually painlessly. To collect tissue, a needle with a diameter of 0.6 - 0.8 mm is used, and since the procedure for taking material takes 2-3 seconds, patients can only feel discomfort.

The duration of the procedure, including treatment of the field for medical intervention and after the biopsy, does not exceed 15 minutes.

Some medical centers and private clinics offer their clients pain relief and local anesthesia before biopsy of thyroid nodules, but the medical community believes that there is more harm from such care.

Many patients feel less apprehensive about the TAB procedure with anesthesia, and in vain. The pain from the puncture fades into the background compared to the possible complications of local anesthesia:

allergic reaction up to the development of anaphylactic shock;
dyspeptic disorders;
pain in the neck muscles;
a sore throat;
tremor.

It is worth emphasizing that the negative consequences after the TAB procedure itself are reduced to a short-term increase in body temperature. If the node is located near the trachea after a biopsy, patients may complain of a cough, which will finally disappear a day after the intervention.

You need to fast before TAB

People who are undergoing a fine-needle biopsy of the right, left lobe or isthmus of the thyroid gland deliberately refuse to eat on the day of the puncture. With most surgical procedures, patients hear about the need to fast, but with TAB there is no need to refuse food.

The food eaten will not affect the results of the study in any way, but weakness due to nutritional deficiency will not play into the hands of either the doctor or the patient.

The TAB procedure can damage other organs

Many patients, going for a tissue biopsy of the right, left lobe or isthmus of the thyroid gland, fear for the condition of other organs of the neck. The main vessels and nerve fibers, the esophagus and the trachea are in close proximity to the organ being examined, and their injury is possible.

In medical practice, it is customary to perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy procedure under ultrasound guidance. This avoids damage to neighboring organs and also significantly increases the accuracy of the study. During the procedure, the specialist describes the ultrasound picture for each node detected during TAB:

size of education;
echogenicity;
the presence of calcifications in the structure of the node;
nature of blood flow.

It is equally important during TAB to reflect information about where the node is localized: the right or left lobe of the gland, the isthmus. When collecting materials for cytology, it is important that the labeling of smears matches the doctor’s note.

After completing the protocol, under the control of an ultrasound sensor, the doctor performs one or several punctures, depending on the number of detected formations.

Intervention to remove tissue is impossible without damaging small vessels, subcutaneous fat and muscles in the neck, but all these microtraumas heal completely within a few days after surgical manipulation.

TAB causes cancer

More than 60% of patients believe that the procedure for collecting tissue from the right and left lobes, or from the isthmus of the thyroid gland can aggravate pathological processes. In many cancers, trauma is a factor that triggers the process of malignancy, and invasive procedures are no exception.

Numerous clinical studies refute this information: after aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules using a very thin needle, benign formations cannot develop into cancerous tumors. Moreover, in some cases, TAB is used as a treatment method, for example, to remove cysts from the right and left lobes or from the isthmus of the gland.

What many patients perceive as the transition of an adenoma to cancer is actually due to late diagnosis. There can be several reasons for errors in the examination:

At the time of puncture, the tumor was small, which means that cytology, in principle, could not show cancerous changes in the tissues. Histology could determine the malignant nature of the node, but it is carried out only after removal of the formation.
Violations of the FNA technique; the tissue sampling procedure was carried out without ultrasound control.
Low qualifications of the cytologist who studied the smear.

It is encouraging to note that false FNA results occur in only 4% of cases. In addition, during the management of patients with nodular formations in the right and left lobes, the isthmus of the thyroid gland, endocrinologists often prescribe repeated studies.

Preparing for TAB takes all your energy

To carry out the procedure of fine-needle biopsy of nodes located in the right or left lobe, the isthmus of the thyroid gland, the patient does not require special preparation. All preliminary activities consist of passing the following laboratory tests:

general blood analysis;
study of thyroid hormone levels;
blood test for clotting and bleeding duration.

The patient can take the listed tests within one day, the results are valid for 2-3 months. In addition to the listed tests, to perform FNA, the results of previous ultrasound examinations are required. They will help to quickly detect nodes in the right or left lobes, in the area of the thyroid isthmus.

It should be emphasized that if during FNA under ultrasound control nodules are detected, the existence of which was not known until the time of the study, then a corresponding entry is made about the identified pathology in the protocol, and tissue is also collected from the new focus of pathology.

After a biopsy, you can forget about a normal life

For many patients, invasive procedures are associated with restrictions in the days immediately following the procedure. In fact, a puncture of the thyroid gland is comparable to a simple blood draw from a vein, and within 10-15 minutes after the puncture the patient can safely carry out routine activities.

Some patients who have undergone a biopsy of the nodes of the right or left lobe, or the isthmus of the thyroid gland, deliberately limit themselves in food. However, fasting is even more stressful for the body than the puncture itself.

After TAB, it is recommended to exclude hot and spicy foods and fried meat from the diet, as these foods increase inflammatory reactions. But two to three days after the manipulation, patients can return to their usual menu.

Infection will appear after TAB

Any invasive procedure always poses a risk of infection. In this matter, patients’ fears are not far-fetched, and inflammatory processes may well develop after TAB, but under one condition – violation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis. Treatment of the surgical field and disposable instruments significantly reduce the risk of infection.

The main infectious danger with TAB is the ultrasound sensor. Failure to sanitize the ultrasonic testing device will negate all preparation for surgery. Therefore, when seeking medical help, it is better to contact a trusted specialist.

Where to make TAB? It is best to go to a clinic that performs at least 40 ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies per week. In addition, preference should be given to centers specialized in thyroid diseases - this will not only reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infection, but also guarantee higher accuracy of FNA.

TAB results are unreliable

The situation with conducting TAB in Russia remains quite tense. According to statistics, in some regions of the country, about 60% of biopsy results were refuted after histological examination.

Problems with the quality of FNA arise due to the low qualifications of the cytologist and the outdated classification that some specialists use to decipher the cytological picture. Therefore, when choosing a clinic for performing FNA, you need to make sure that the cytology is performed by a highly qualified specialist with many years of experience.

In European countries and the USA, the BSRTC classification of FNA (The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology) is used, according to which the following results can be obtained when deciphering the analysis:

The nodular formation is benign. Colloid nodules and formations that arise from Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis fall into this category.
Malignant cells were found in the biopsy. A cytologist can diagnose papillary, medullary, anaplastic cancer or a poorly differentiated malignant tumor.
Follicular tumor.
The material obtained during the biopsy is not suitable for cytology or is available in insufficient quantities
Suspicions of a malignant neoplasm.
Suspicion of a follicular tumor.

In case of an uninformative FNA, the procedure should be repeated, but since the price of the study is from 2500 rubles, not all patients can afford to do the procedure a second time. Some clinics offer free repeat tissue sampling and interpretation of the analysis. If the secondary research turns out to be uninformative, you can proceed in two ways:

Take smears (in everyday life they are also called “glasses”) and go to another medical center to review the biopsy.
Conduct a third examination of the node.

If, after the second procedure of biopsy of formations in the lobes of the thyroid gland, these studies turned out to be uninformative, many experts hasten to reassure patients that in 80% of cases such nodes turn out to be benign, and suggest not conducting a third study.

But no one can say with 100% certainty that there is no cancer in the thyroid gland.

In no case should you refuse TAB of nodes located in the right, left lobes or isthmus, because without a cytological picture of the disease, an endocrinologist will not be able to construct a competent treatment tactic.

The cost of research is indeed high, but what is the cost of health?

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Thyroid nodules- the cause of concern for many women in Russia. However, for some, this disease can cause the refusal of certain types of rest, relaxation, physical activity or physical therapy, and also seriously affects moral and mental well-being.

Let's look into the validity of these fears. Let's try to understand when it's really worth worrying, and when you can continue to lead your usual lifestyle, forgetting about problems with the thyroid gland because in fact there are none.

What is a thyroid nodule?

Thyroid nodule called a limited area of altered thyroid tissue, visible visually or identified by palpation.

Nodules in the thyroid gland most often appear in regions with deficiency. This happens because iodine is the basis of thyroid hormones. If there is not enough of it in the diet, the thyroid gland will grow, trying to compensate for its inability to adequately produce hormones with its size. In the future, some areas will grow faster than others, form a cluster of cells, and then a node will form from them.

It may also happen that at first there was not enough iodine for a long time, and then it suddenly entered the body (with seafood, iodized salt or seaweed), in which case the thyroid gland will try to store it for future use. Follicles (formations 2-3 mm in diameter) can form in it, which contain iodine reserves inside. Several such follicles can unite and then form nodule with a cystic component.

The prevalence of nodular changes in the thyroid gland is quite high - up to 40% in iodine-deficient regions, which include most of Russia. Moreover, women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from such changes in the thyroid gland.

Now let's look at the statistics differently. Prevalence palpable thyroid nodules in the population is 5-10%, and when using ultrasound, CT or MRI of the neck and thyroid gland it increases to 40-70%.

Detectability The incidence of thyroid nodules has increased significantly in recent years, which is associated with the widespread availability of ultrasound diagnostics. But this does not mean that the incidence rate has increased. It’s just that with the current approach, “let’s do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland because the age has come or because we have such an opportunity,” nodular formations less than 1 cm in diameter, which cannot be palpated, have begun to be identified. Currently, prominent scientists in the field of endocrinology do not even recommend calling such changes in thyroid tissue, especially if they do not have a clearly defined structure, even nodules. However, this is a matter that requires further discussion.

What is important for a doctor when examining or monitoring a patient with thyroid nodules?

Knot dimensions

If, during examination of a patient, a thyroid nodule larger than 1 cm in size is detected for the first time, we, endocrinologists, must exclude oncopathology, that is, cancer. To do this, we refer our patients to a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of the thyroid gland, which will allow us to remove the contents of the node and see under a microscope whether there are malignant or other types of pathological cells there.

If everything is calm, then in the future we observe the node (the timing and frequency of observation is set by the doctor individually for each patient), and if there are any significant changes, we decide on further treatment or examination.

The dynamics of changes in the size of the nodes is also important, so always bring a film and the conclusion of the previous ultrasound of the thyroid gland with you to your appointment with the endocrinologist.

Density and structure of nodes according to ultrasound data

If the thyroid nodule is “stony in density” upon palpation, if we see a suspicious structure, shape or size of the nodule on the ultrasound film, then we will definitely refer the patient to FNA of the thyroid nodule to exclude oncopathology. Therefore, always bring the endocrinologist not only the ultrasound report, but also the film itself, so that we can correctly evaluate the results of the study.

Duration of presence of thyroid nodules

If the nodes exist in the thyroid gland for decades, as is often the case in older people (over 65-70 years old), there is a possibility that, under the influence of various factors, they will “get out of control” and begin to independently produce a large amount of thyroid hormones, the so-called functional autonomy of the thyroid gland will develop. Depending on the patient’s age and the size of the nodes, there are different treatment options for this pathology; your attending physician will tell you about them, if necessary.

What is important for patients with thyroid nodules?

Will the nodes constantly grow?

If you have been diagnosed with one or more thyroid nodules and your doctor has recommended that you simply undergo observation, do not worry. The body is a dynamic system. The nodes can maintain their size for many years, decrease in size, disappear completely or gradually grow (by 1-2 mm per year or several years), merge with each other or break up into two separate nodes. Depending on what exactly is going on with you, the doctor will recommend the frequency of observation (once every 6-18 months).

If there is a node, then there will definitely be an operation

Surgery in the presence of nodular changes in the thyroid gland is indicated for people who have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the thyroid gland; if the thyroid nodules are large in size (from 3 cm or more), visible visually, or are so large that they interfere with breathing or swallowing.

What about massage and physiotherapy if I have thyroid nodules?

If you are considering neck massage or physical therapy, it is of course best to consult your endocrinologist first. However, in general, such therapeutic measures are not contraindicated if the nodes are benign, are not visible visually and if you do not have functional autonomy of the thyroid nodules.

Is it possible to sunbathe if there are thyroid nodules?

This issue should also be resolved individually at an appointment with an endocrinologist. In some cases, excessive insolation can provoke long-existing thyroid nodules and lead to functional autonomy of the thyroid gland. Also, people who have been diagnosed with malignant thyroid nodules should not overuse sunbathing.

For everyone else, enjoy your tan. But remember that it is best to do this in the morning before 11.00 and in the evening after 16.00.

Have you discovered thyroid nodules and will now have to take hormones?

In some cases, especially if the thyroid nodules are large, or there is a concomitant disease (autoimmune thyroiditis), drug treatment may indeed be required

Taking a sample of glandular tissue necessary for further laboratory research. It is used to diagnose nodular goiter, determine the nature of neoplasms, and study the internal structure of the organ. It is performed on an outpatient basis by puncture of the thyroid gland with a thin (fine-needle aspiration biopsy) or thick (trepanobiopsy) needle. Patient safety is ensured by ultrasonic control of the instrument's position. The cost depends on the chosen method of work, the qualifications of the doctor, and the price of the consumables used.

Indications

A thyroid biopsy is prescribed to patients to clarify the nature of neoplasms identified by ultrasound of the organ. The procedure is carried out in the following situations:

any unclear nodes in the thyroid gland, the diameter of which is equal to or greater than 1 cm;
nodes less than 1 cm if the patient is at high risk for malignant neoplasms;
newly diagnosed tumors in people under 20 years of age;
availability of ultrasound data on changes in the structure of benign nodes during dynamic observation;
detection of regional lymphadenitis against the background of nodular goiter.

Contraindications

Conditions in which a thyroid biopsy is delayed or replaced by other testing methods include:

coagulopathy of any origin;
the presence of severe psychosis and other pathology that does not allow the patient to maintain a motionless position during the procedure;
inflammatory and purulent processes on the skin in the area of the intended puncture;
decompensation of somatic diseases with the development of an urgent state.

Preparing for a thyroid biopsy

Before a thyroid biopsy is taken, the patient undergoes the following diagnostic and preparatory measures:

Examination by an endocrinologist. During the consultation, the doctor collects an anamnesis of life and illness and visually examines the patient. To identify neoplasms, a palpation examination of the neck is performed. If during the examination the specialist has any suspicions, the patient is sent for an ultrasound examination (sonography).
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Transdermal ultrasound examination allows you to determine the size, exact location and nature of the tumor boundaries. In the color Doppler mapping mode, the level of blood flow in it is established. If sonography cannot reliably determine the nature of the pathological lesion, a biopsy is prescribed.
Laboratory tests. In the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, laboratory blood tests are used to determine hormone levels. The concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and thyroxine are of great importance. The content of antibodies to thyroglobulin is determined. The method has an auxiliary value and cannot be used as the main way to identify the nature of the tumor.

A thyroid biopsy does not require significant preparatory measures. 1-2 weeks before the procedure, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of discontinuing antiplatelet medications, if any were prescribed. On the morning of your visit to the clinic, it is recommended to wash your neck, face, and chest with soap.

Methodology

A thyroid biopsy is classified as an outpatient procedure; hospitalization of the patient is not required. A prerequisite is the presence of an expert-class ultrasound machine in the treatment room. The patient's position is lying on his back, without a pillow. The manipulation is carried out in several stages.

Treatment and pain relief. The skin in the puncture area is treated twice with antiseptic agents, after which an anesthetic gel is applied. If a fine-needle biopsy is planned, deeper administration of anesthetics is not required. With trepanobiopsy using the creeping infiltrate method, the sensitivity of the underlying tissues is blocked.
Puncture. Using sonographic equipment, the doctor finds the pathological focus and inserts a needle into it. The latter can be thin, connected to a syringe, or thick. A fine-needle biopsy removes an aspirate from the tumor. Core biopsy with a thick needle allows you to obtain a column of pathological tissue. The method of sampling affects the cost of the procedure.
Completion of the procedure. The needle is slowly withdrawn, the resulting material is placed on a glass slide and sent to the laboratory for cytological analysis. An aseptic bandage is applied to the damaged skin to prevent infection.

After a thyroid biopsy

No specific restoration measures are required. Fine-needle biopsy allows the patient to go home within 5 minutes after the end of the procedure. Tissue collection using a thick needle requires observation for 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to avoid significant physical activity for several hours. To prevent the formation of a hematoma, a short-term application of an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth is allowed on the damaged area.

Complications

Thyroid biopsy is accompanied by complications in 5-10% of cases. The vast majority of them are safe and do not require medical correction. The following negative effects are possible after the procedure:

Hematoma. Typically occurs in patients who have bleeding disorders or use antiplatelet drugs. Accompanied by moderate pain when pressed and a feeling of discomfort. Does not require assistance, resolves on its own within 3-7 days.
Pain when swallowing and turning the head. Caused by reactive tissue swelling in response to mechanical damage. It does not pose a danger to life and health, and is not an indication for any therapeutic measures. It goes away in 3-5 days.
Inflammation. It is the result of violation of the rules of asepsis during manipulation. Characterized by local hyperemia and regional increase in body temperature. Patients complain of pain when touched, swelling, and systemic hyperthermia is possible. Antibiotics may be required for relief.

With the exception of the inflammatory process, these complications are unforeseen reactions and practically do not depend on the qualifications of the doctor.