The thyroid gland is an extremely important organ that depends on the normal functioning of the brain, heart, reproductive system, and the development of bone tissues and muscles. Therefore, any failure in the work of this organ leads to serious pathology. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland will help to detect problems in a timely manner and provide competent, effective medical care to the patient.
Possibilities of examination
Since the organ is located shallowly, modern ultrasound devices allow the doctor to examine the entire thyroid gland, with the exception of the parts behind the sternum or trachea. During this study, the following organ parameters are evaluated:
- Location. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland helps to differentiate the aberrant location of the organ (pathological) and typical. In some cases, ectopic areas can be detected next to the main body of the gland.
- Building. Normally, the thyroid gland consists of 2 lobes and an isthmus that connects them. Often there may be an additional pyramidal lobe, tissue growths, this is also considered normal.
- Contours. If the ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland does not show clear contours of the organ, then this will indicate the progression of the tumor or inflammatory process. Clear contours on the monitor are considered the norm.
- Dimensions. To obtain information about the volume of the examined organ, the doctor evaluates the thickness of the connecting isthmus in the anterior-posterior region and 3 linear mutually perpendicular dimensions.
Various diseases of the thyroid gland are diagnosed in 20% of the population, in some regions this indicator reaches 50%. Iodine deficiency, poor environmental conditions, stress, injuries, intoxication and associated diseases affect the work and pathological changes in the structure of the organ. It is advisable to carry out the examination that we are considering once a year, because it makes it possible to diagnose problems in the early stages of development.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland: norm and principle of conduct
The type of examination that we are considering is considered simple for the patient - no preparation for ultrasound of the thyroid gland is carried out, but it is necessary to take a towel with you, which may be needed to wipe the gel or put it under the head for greater convenience.
The procedure is performed in a supine position, the patient's head should be thrown back. A special transparent gel is applied to the front of the neck, which ensures complete passage of ultrasound. Next, the doctor performs an examination with the help of a sensor. The patient does not experience any unpleasant sensations during ultrasound of the thyroid gland, except that slight discomfort is possible due to the uncomfortable position of the neck.
When conducting an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the norm in the opinion of a specialist will look like this:
- the shape of the gland is standard
- the structure is uniform
- contours are even and clear
- lymph nodes are not enlarged
- density is standard
- knots and cysts are absent.
When it is necessary to carry out preventive examinations
Doctors single out a number of symptoms, signs and situations that require mandatory preventive ultrasound examinations of the thyroid gland once a year. They include:
- hereditary diseases of the thyroid gland
- 40 years old
- apathy, lethargy, high fatigue
- excessive irritability, frequent mood swings
- cardiac arrhythmia
- tremors of the fingers of the upper limbs
- intense hair loss
- a long period of taking hormonal drugs
- increasing temperature over a long period of time
- obesity
- sensation as if there is a foreign object in the throat
- constant cough and sore throat.
Usgraphy of the thyroid gland should be performed by women who plan to become pregnant, people with already diagnosed diabetes and those whose work activities are related to harmful production.
This type of examination belongs to the most informative category. Full information about it can be found on our website Dobrobut.com: to whom and how the study is carried out, what is the price of ultrasound of the thyroid gland, which is diagnosed during such an examination.
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Ultrasound examination
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