Patient Education - Endocrine Encyclopedia
Endocrine Surgery Encyclopedia
 Definition:
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in front of the trachea (windpipe) at the top
of the neck. In fine needle aspiration, a needle is inserted into the thyroid to obtain a
sample of thyroid cells.
Alternative Names: Biopsy - skinny-needle; Skinny-needle biopsy
How the test is performed:
This test may be done in the health care provider's office or in a hospital. Usually anesthesia
is not necessary because the needle is fine (very thin). You will lie on your back with a
pillow under your shoulders and your neck extended.
The biopsy site is cleansed. The fine needle is then inserted into the thyroid, and a
sample of thyroid cells and fluid is drawn into the needle. The needle is then withdrawn.
Pressure will be applied to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding, and the site will be
covered with a bandage.
How to prepare for the test:
Inform the health care provider of any drug allergies you have, which medications you are
taking, if you have bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant. You must sign a consent form.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age and experience.
For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel:
The test will feel like a quick injection. You may feel a sting as the needle is inserted.
Why the test is performed:
This is a test to diagnose thyroid disease or thyroid cancer.
Normal Values:
The thyroid tissue is normal in structure and the cells appear non-cancerous under a microscope.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal results may mean thyroid cancer, noncancerous tumors, or diffuse thyroid disease
such as goiter or thyroiditis.
What the risks are:
The main risk is bleeding into or around the thyroid gland. If bleeding is severe, the trachea
may be compressed. This complication is rare.
Special considerations:
Benign nodules should be re-evaluated periodically.
Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's
Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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