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Pisa University Hospital and University of Pisa
Endocrinology Pisa University Hospital
University of Pisa
Tuscany Health Service CUP bookings050 995995

Thyroid ultrasound clinic

Endocrinology I and II. Ultrasound of the thyroid and neck.

Important notice. To access this clinic, a first visit at the General Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic is required.

Contacts

Telephone
050 995077

Staff

How the test is done

  • Duration5–10 minutes
  • PreparationNone
  • PainNo
  • RadiationNo

1 · The probe on the neck

Illustration of the neck seen from the front: the butterfly-shaped thyroid in front of the trachea, with a small nodule in the left lobe, and the ultrasound probe resting across the skin with a layer of gel.

2 · The image on the monitor

Black-and-white ultrasound image of the thyroid in cross-section: the two pale lobes joined by the isthmus, the trachea in the centre with its bright arch, the carotid arteries as black circles on either side and a darker nodule in the left lobe.
The ultrasound scan uses ultrasound waves: the probe resting on the neck sends out sound waves and the monitor shows the thyroid in real time, without radiation. Illustrative images: the ultrasound scan is simulated.

What it is for

It allows the thyroid to be measured, shows whether there are any nodules and describes their features (size, shape, content, blood supply with colour Doppler). It is also used to check the lymph nodes of the neck, the parathyroid glands and, after surgery, the operated area.

Based on the appearance of the nodules, the doctor decides whether they need monitoring over time or a fine-needle aspiration.

How it is done

  1. You lie on the couch on your back, with a pillow under your shoulders and your neck tilted slightly back.
  2. The doctor puts a little gel on your neck and places the probe on it.
  3. The doctor moves the probe over the skin and looks at the images on the monitor. You may be asked to swallow.
  4. At the end the gel is wiped off: you can go straight back to your normal activities.

How to prepare

  • You do not need to fast and you can take your usual medicines.
  • Bring previous ultrasound scans and tests: they are needed for comparison.
  • It is best to avoid necklaces and high-necked tops.
  • It can also be done during pregnancy.

All tests and procedures

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