What is it? 
​​
A thyroid gland biopsy is used to find the cause of a nodule in the thyroid gland. When a nodule is found, imaging tests may be done to help determine if the nodule is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).​​

How the procedure is performed​​
 

This procedure may or may not use a sedative (anesthesia). Since the needle is very thin, you may not need it.

You lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulders and your neck extended. The biopsy area is cleaned. A thin needle is inserted into the thyroid and a sample of cells and fluid is removed. The needle is then withdrawn. If your treating doctor cannot feel the biopsy area, he or she may use an ultrasound or scanner to guide the insertion of the needle. Ultrasound and scan are painless procedures that show images inside your body.

Instructions before the procedure

Follow the instructions below carefully, the success of the procedure depends largely on your collaboration..
 

1. Fasting for a minimum of 6 hours (fasting includes not consuming any type of food, including not drinking water). 

2. Hypertensive and/or diabetic patients should take their medications with little water

3. If the patient is diabetic, they must comply with 6 hours of fasting without exceeding the indicated time (6 hours).

4. If the patient takes insulin, on the day of the exam it should not be given.

5. If you take ASA, ASPIRIN or ASAWIN, you must stop taking them 8 days before the exam.

6. If you consume or are applied antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications such as: Clopidogrel (plavix, Iscover), Warfarin (coumadìn), heparin, enoxaparin (fraxiparin), dalteparin (fragmin) you must suspend it before the procedure with the prior authorization of the treating physician.

7. Bring previous clinical history if you have it and results of coagulation tests TP, TPT, Platelets, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in the same week of the exam. (these are clinical laboratory tests) and with normal values; as well as results of previous imaging studies (ultrasounds, x-rays, tomographies, magnetic resonances).

8. General bathroom. You must come in comfortable clothing, without accessories or jewelry or valuables.

9. If the user is hypertensive, DO NOT suspend the medication for hypertension and perform control one week before the procedure at your EPS or first level IPS. 

Procedure day
 

• You must be accompanied by a person of legal age, with decision-making capacity.
  Please show up 30 minutes before your appointment, to carry out the admission process.

• General bathroom. You must come in comfortable clothing, without accessories or jewelry or valuables.

Post Procedure Instructions
 

1. Placing local ice on the biopsy site for 10 to 15 minutes several times in the first 24 hours after the procedure. This helps reduce swelling and bruising which will disappear within the first week. Take medication as directed by your doctor.

2. Keep the biopsy site covered with a bandage for the first 48 hours after the procedure, then it can be removed

3. You can shower 24 hours after taking the biopsy, cover the bandage, do not get it wet, keep it clean and dry 

4. Have absolute rest during the first 6 hours following the procedure. Rest refers to NOT performing heavy physical activities or sudden movements.

5. You may leave the procedure with a small wound with stitches or medical tape and covered with a bandage, which will put pressure on it.

6. If there is bleeding at the site, apply light pressure with gauze, compressing for 4 hours after the procedure. 

7. After the procedure you must continue with your usual medication and diet.

8. If you have pain, take the medications ordered by the specialist.

Warning signs and symptoms

In the event of profuse bleeding, pain at the biopsy site, paleness, sweating, dizziness, fainting, fever, or discharge of purulent material or profuse bleeding from the area operated on, altered consciousness, or respiratory distress, an emergency room should be consulted.