Prof. Dr. Rahmi Çubuk

Non-Surgical Thyroid Nodule Treatments

Non-Surgical Thyroid Nodule Treatments

What is a Thyroid Biopsy ?


A thyroid biopsy, or fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, involves using a very fine needle (thinner than needles used for injections) to collect a sample from a lesion in the thyroid gland.

The purpose of the biopsy is to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant. If the lesion is malignant, the tissue sample is used to identify the subtype of the disease, which helps guide treatment decisions.

How should I prepare for a thyroid biopsy ?
Most percutaneous biopsies require minimal preparation and are done in an outpatient setting. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as adjustments to dosages or discontinuation (especially of blood thinners) may be necessary.

How is a thyroid biopsy performed ?
You will be positioned appropriately, and your neck area will be sterilized. A fine needle is then used to perform the biopsy on the thyroid gland. The procedure usually causes minimal pain, and local anesthesia is often applied to the biopsy site beforehand to minimize discomfort. The entire procedure typically takes 10-20 minutes.
After the biopsy, the insertion site is covered with a bandage, and patients are generally instructed to apply light pressure on the bandage for a short time.
Following the biopsy, the patient will be monitored in the clinic for a short period. If the patient’s condition is stable, they will be discharged. The collected thyroid samples are sent to the pathology laboratory for examination, and you will be informed once the pathology results are available.

What are the risks of a thyroid biopsy ?
Percutaneous biopsy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Possible complications include localized bruising, short-term bleeding, infection, or, in rare cases, unintended damage to nearby organs. Each patient and case is unique. Your doctor will provide more detailed information about your biopsy and address any concerns you may have.