Thyroid Ultrasound Specialist

Your thyroid produces hormones that affect your body’s metabolism. Thyroid problems are common and affect the production of these hormones. Jasmine Khorsandi and the team at SonoBreasts in Santa Monica, California, perform thyroid ultrasound testing to look at the structure and function of the thyroid and signs of abnormalities. Call the Los Angeles area office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the front of your neck. The gland produces nine different hormones collectively called the thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate many body functions, including your metabolism, mood, and how fast your heart beats.

It’s not uncommon for people to develop nodules on their thyroid. In some cases, a health care provider can feel these nodules during a physical exam. However, some nodules are too small to detect.

What is a thyroid ultrasound?

A thyroid ultrasound is an imaging test that takes live-action images of your thyroid gland. The test uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your thyroid gland. 

The thyroid ultrasound imaging test is quick and painless and involves no radiation. 

Who needs a thyroid ultrasound?

Your health care provider may recommend a thyroid ultrasound if they find lumps on your thyroid gland during a routine physical exam. You may also need a thyroid ultrasound if you have a history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.

If you have a nodule, routine ultrasounds can monitor its growth and alert your doctor to changes. They also provide information on whether a nodule is benign or may be cancerous, requiring a biopsy.

What happens during thyroid ultrasound?

Your thyroid ultrasound at SonoBreasts takes 10 to 15 minutes. There’s no special preparation needed for this type of test. However, the team requests that you come to the appointment wearing comfortable clothing.

Your sonographer has you lie back on the exam chair and applies a gel to the skin on the front of your neck. The gel makes it easier for your sonographer to glide the hand-held ultrasound wand over your skin. It also improves imaging.

Your sonographer slowly and methodically moves the ultrasound wand over your thyroid gland to get the needed images. You may feel some pressure during the test but no pain.

You can go back to your normal day following a thyroid ultrasound. The team sends your ultrasound scan to the radiologist and gets the results back to you within a week.

To schedule a thyroid ultrasound, call SonoBreasts or book online today.