In this Article

• What are thyroid nodules?
• What is the initial assessment of a thyroid nodule?
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland - why is it done?
• Should fine needle aspiration biopsy be done on all thyroid nodules?
• How is fine needle aspiration biopsy performed?
• What are the complications of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid?
• What happens to the thyroid tissue obtained at the fine needle aspiration biopsy?
• Summary
• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy At A Glance
• Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid Index

Summary

A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland is an effective method to determine whether or not a thyroid nodule is cancer. The procedure is relatively simple procedure that is usually performed in a doctor's office and usually takes less than 20 minutes. Complications are rare but include bleeding, bruising, and infection. Results are generally available within one week and help determine what further interventions or treatments are needed.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy At A Glance

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid is a procedure used to detect cancer in a thyroid nodule or to treat thyroid cysts.

• Between 4% and 7% of people in the United States have thyroid nodules.

• The chance that a thyroid nodule is malignant varies with age, gender, radiation exposure, and other factors.

• fine needle aspiration biopsy is performed in a doctor's office and takes about 20 minutes.

• Complications are rare, but include bleeding, bruising, and infection.

• Results help determine further management and treatment and are usually available within a week.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Thyroid Blood Tests - Read about thyroid blood tests, which are used to diagnose disease of the thyroid such as hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as point to other diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Hypothyroidism - Learn about Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) including causes, symptoms (such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression), diagnosis, and treatment.
• Thyroid Scan - Learn about a thyroid scan, a procedure to assist in diagnosing, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

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