Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Biopsy

Thyroid nodules are extremely prevalent among older adults, and pose a challenge due to the frequency in which they are incidentally encountered. Approximately 5% of all nodules are malignant. Ultrasound is the first line tool to evaluate thyroid nodules, and can help identify nodules that are high-risk for malignancy. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an excellent low-risk procedure used to evaluate suspicious thyroid nodules and identify thyroid malignancy. It is performed with a 22-27-gauge needle under ultrasound guidance. Core needle biopsy (CNB) is usually not required; however, it can be helpful if FNA is non-diagnostic or inconclusive. On-site pathologist evaluation can help determine which patients need additional sampling. CNB is usually performed with a trocar technique using an 18-gauge biopsy device under ultrasound guidance. Complications from thyroid biopsy are rare, and the most common complications are discomfort, small to moderate hematoma, and insufficient sampling. Although rare, a rapidly expanding large hematoma can cause airway compression requiring intubation and surgery to preserve the airway and achieve hemostasis. Following biopsy, approximately 10.8% of thyroid nodules will require surgical excision.