A thyroid biopsy is the removal of tissue from the thyroid gland to examine for cancer, infection or other health issues. There are two types of biopsies: a fine-needle biopsy involves a thin needle inserted through the skin and into the thyroid gland and an open biopsy involves cutting the skin to access the thyroid gland.
Advice
There was no pain; it was just like getting an injection.
Be your own advocate: if you are extremely anxious about the procedure, ask the doctor for medication before the procedure to help calm you.
Stories
Thyroid Biopsy
The specialist saw and felt and an unusual condition in the front of my neck and gave me an ultrasound of the thyroid, which showed a nodule on the left side of my thyroid. He then advised that we do a thyroid nodule biopsy. Read More
Harry, male, 69, Massachusetts
Thyroid Biopsy
During the exam the doctor felt a lump on my throat. He immediately did a needle biopsy, numbing the area before doing the biopsy. Read More
Bonnie, female, 52, California
Thyroid Biopsy
My doctor recommended a needle biopsy for my thyroid gland to check a suspicious area. He explained that the biopsy would help differentiate cancer from a benign mass. Read More
Bianci, female, 49, Massachusetts
Thyroid Biopsy
I had nodules on my thyroid that needed to be biopsied via fine needle aspiration. Read More
Barbara, female, 64, Massachusetts
View more stories »
