Thyroid excisional biopsy

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Endocrine glands

Thyroid cancer - CT scan

Incision for thyroid gland surgery

Overview

Risks

Results

Thyroid excisional biopsy

Definition:

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in front of the trachea (windpipe) in the neck. In an excisional biopsy, a section of thyroid tissue is removed for diagnostic examination.

Alternative Names:

Open thyroid biopsy; Thyroid biopsy - open

How the test is performed:

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room using general anesthesia, so you are unconscious and pain-free. A small incision is made in your neck. A section of your thyroid containing any suspicious growth or lump is removed.

The thyroid tissue is sent to the laboratory to be examined while you are still on the operating table. The results of this analysis determine if additional thyroid tissue should be removed.

The incision is then closed.

How to prepare for the test:

Inform the doctor of any drug allergies you have, which medications you are taking (including any herbal remedies), if you have bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant.

How the test will feel:

When you wake up after the procedure, you will feel drowsy for several hours. You may have a mild sore throat from the tube that was placed in your throat. There will be some discomfort at the biopsy site.

Why the test is performed:

This test is usually performed to determine the cause of a mass, growth, or tumor in your thyroid gland. This test may be used when a diagnosis cannot be made using fine needle aspiration.

Review Date: 12/22/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, M.D., MPH, Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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