Thyroid Problems (cont.)
Medical Author:
Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Thyroid Problems DiagnosisThe medical history and physical exam are important parts of the evaluation for thyroid problems. The health care practitioner will focus on eye, skin, cardiac (heart), and neurologic findings. Blood tests
Nuclear thyroid scan: During this scan a small amount of radioactive iodine is swallowed or a similar material 99m-technetium, is injected into the blood, and then an imaging study of the thyroid is taken that reveals localization of the radioactivity. Increased uptake of the radioactive material in the thyroid gland indicates hyperthyroidism, while decreased uptake is present in hypothyroidism. This test should not be performed on women who are pregnant. Thyroid ultrasound: Thyroid ultrasound helps to determine the size and number as well as the different types of nodules in the thyroid gland. This exam can also detect if there are enlarged parathyroid glands or lymph nodes near the thyroid gland. Fine-needle aspiration: During this procedure, a small needle is inserted into the thyroid gland in order to get a sample of thyroid tissue, usually from a nodule. This test can be done in a health care practitioner's office without special preparations. The tissue is then observed under a microscope by a pathologist to look for any signs of cancer. Computerized axial tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is occasionally used to look for the extent of a large goiter into the upper chest or to look for narrowing or displacement of the trachea (breathing tube) from the goiter. Viewer Comments & ReviewsThyroid Disease - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were they signs and symptoms of your thyroid disease? Thyroid Disease - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:Please describe your experience with Thyroid Disease. |
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Thyroid Disease »
The thyroid gland plays an important role in tissue metabolism and development.
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies

