thyroid biopsies
A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure used to collect a small sample of tissue from the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. This procedure helps doctors determine if there are any abnormal cells or conditions, such as thyroid cancer or nodules. The biopsy can be performed using a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, to ensure accuracy.
There are two main types of thyroid biopsies: fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy. FNA is the most common method, as it is minimally invasive and usually requires only local anesthesia. After the sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where pathologists examine the cells under a microscope.