What happens during a thyroid ultrasound?

A thyroid ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of the thyroid gland. It is typically performed in a doctor's office or hospital and takes about 30 minutes.

During the procedure, you will lie on your back with your neck slightly extended. A gel will be applied to your neck to help the ultrasound waves travel smoothly through the skin. The doctor will then use a small, handheld device called a transducer to send sound waves into your neck. The transducer will move over your skin, and the sound waves will bounce off of the thyroid gland and create images.

The images will be displayed on a monitor, and the doctor will examine them to look for any abnormalities, such as nodules, cysts, or tumors. The doctor may also measure the size of the thyroid gland and check for any signs of inflammation.

If any abnormalities are found, the doctor may order further tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. A thyroid ultrasound is a safe and effective way to evaluate the thyroid gland and identify any potential problems.