Why is biopsy performed
Biopsy is the procedure of taking a sample from an organ or a tissue, in order to examine it in the laboratory for more details.
Biopsy provides essential information about the examined material and serves the basis for an accurate diagnosis. It is impossible to reach best treatment outcomes without accurate diagnosis.
The procedure of taking a sample from the thyroid nodule is called an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The doctor uses an ultrasound in order to guide him through the process of inserting the needle right into the nodule and then aspirating a sample.
You should remember that “blind biopsies” are not performed anymore.The only acceptable way of performing thyroid nodule biopsy is under ultrasound guidance.
US guided Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy of the thyroid is performed when
- the ultrasound examination reveals a nodule with suspicious features
- the nodule is larger than 5 mm and the patient has risk factors of developing cancer
- due to its size and/or position the nodule causes compressive symptoms, cosmetic defect and the patient wants to treat it.
A small number of thyroid nodules are cancerous however it is always essential to diagnose cancer at early stages. If you are referred to an interventional radiologist for a biopsy, you should not delay it. Biopsy is also mandatory before any treatment procedure is performed.
What are the advantages of FNA
US guided fine needle aspiration biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure and hence, it is safe. Most importantly, it allows for an accurate diagnosis. And the successful treatment is based on a precise diagnosis.