What is scintigraphy thyroid?
What is scintigraphy thyroid?
A thyroid scan (thyroid scintigraphy) is a diagnostic nuclear medicine test that provides information about the structure and function of the thyroid. The nuclear medicine physician is able to see the size, shape, function, and position of the thyroid gland.
What is hot and cold nodule in thyroid?
Nodules that produce excess thyroid hormone — called hot nodules — show up on the scan because they take up more of the isotope than normal thyroid tissue does. Hot nodules are almost always noncancerous. In some cases, nodules that take up less of the isotope — called cold nodules — are cancerous.
When is a thyroid scintigraphy needed?
A physician may perform these imaging tests to: determine if the gland is working properly. help diagnose problems with the thyroid gland, such as an overactive thyroid gland, a condition called hyperthyroidism, cancer or other growths. assess the nature of a nodule discovered in the gland.
What is an autonomous nodule?
An “autonomous” nodule is one that takes up all of the radioactive substance, with no uptake in the rest of the gland. The likelihood of cancer in these nodules is very low and a biopsy is often not needed.
Is thyroid scintigraphy safe?
There’s a small but safe amount of radiation contained in the radionuclide used in any thyroid scan. Your exposure to radiation will be minimal and within the acceptable ranges for diagnostic exams. There are no known long-term complications of having a nuclear medicine procedure.
How is thyroid scintigraphy done?
You are given a pill that contains a tiny amount of radioactive iodine. After swallowing it, you wait as the iodine collects in your thyroid. The first scan is usually done 4 to 6 hours after you take the iodine pill. Another scan is usually done 24 hours later.
What are suspicious thyroid nodules?
For the U.S. population, the lifetime risk of developing thyroid cancer is 1.1 percent. When a thyroid nodule is suspicious – meaning that it has characteristics that suggest thyroid cancer – the next step is usually a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
Why would a doctor order a thyroid uptake scan?
A thyroid uptake and scan is a diagnostic imaging scan that allows the radiologist to determine the function of the thyroid. This scan can determine if the patient has thyroid cancer: persistent or recurrent disease, hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodule or goiter assessment.
How long are you radioactive after a thyroid uptake scan?
The radioactive iodine leaves your body through your urine. You should not need to take special precautions, such as flushing twice after urinating, for 24 to 48 hours after the test. Ask your provider or the radiology/nuclear medicine team performing the scan about taking precautions.