Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid and neck ultrasound at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. High-resolution assessment of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
What Does a Thyroid Ultrasound Detect?
The thyroid sits close to the surface of the neck, which makes it ideally suited to ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves produce exceptionally detailed images of the gland — enough to measure nodules of just a few millimetres and to characterise their appearance.
A thyroid ultrasound is used to assess:
- Thyroid nodules — their number, size and characteristics
- Cysts within the gland
- Overall enlargement of the thyroid (goitre)
- Signs of thyroiditis and inflammatory change
- The parathyroid glands
- Lymph nodes within the neck
- Change in a known nodule over time
- The thyroid bed following previous surgery
Where a nodule requires sampling, ultrasound is also used to guide a fine needle aspiration. At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, thyroid ultrasound is reported by specialist radiologists with results sent to your referring doctor.
Common Reasons for Referral
Thyroid nodules are common and the large majority are benign. Ultrasound is how your doctor assesses which ones need further attention.
Common reasons for referral include:
- A lump or swelling felt in the neck
- Abnormal thyroid function blood tests
- A nodule found incidentally on other imaging
- Difficulty swallowing, a sensation of pressure in the throat, or hoarseness
- A family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer
- Monitoring a nodule that has been identified previously
- Assessment before or after thyroid surgery
Your ultrasound report will describe any nodules found and whether follow-up or sampling is recommended, giving your GP or endocrinologist clear direction.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
A thyroid ultrasound is one of the quickest and easiest scans we perform.
How to prepare:
- No fasting and no preparation is required.
- Wear a top with an open or low neckline if possible.
- Remove necklaces and earrings before your appointment.
On the day:
- You will lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulders so your neck is slightly extended.
- Warm gel is applied and a small probe is moved over the front of your neck.
- Doppler is used to assess blood flow within the gland and any nodules.
- You may be asked to swallow or to turn your head slightly.
- The scan takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is painless.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor within 24 to 48 hours. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM