The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces three hormones, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin. The main two, T4 and T3, control metabolism, the process of transforming food into energy. When the thyroid produces too much or too little of these hormones, serious symptoms or problems may occur.
REASONS TO HAVE A THYROID SCAN
A thyroid imaging scan is a common procedure indicated for people experiencing certain symptoms and/or clinical indicators. Your healthcare provider may have ordered a nuclear medicine thyroid scan if you’re experiencing any of the following:
● Symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland may include rapid or irregular heart rate, unexplained weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, muscle weakness, sweating, heat intolerance, tremor, diarrhea, hair loss, and abnormal protrusion of the eyes.
● Symptoms of hypothyroidism. Signs of an underactive thyroid gland may include fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, dry and/or thinning hair, cold intolerance, depression, joint and muscle pain, and a slowed heart rate.
● Abnormal thyroid function. Abnormalities in a thyroid function test, such as elevated or decreased levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), may promote a thyroid uptake and scan to assess thyroid gland structure, and to diagnose Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and other thyroid conditions.
● Thyroid nodules. Nodules or lumps on the thyroid gland found through physical or ultrasound examination may require a thyroid scan to evaluate their size, characteristics and potential impact on thyroid function. A thyroid scan can determine if the nodules absorb too much of the radiotracer (designated “hot”), or too little (designated “cold”). While a thyroid scan can’t definitively determine if a nodule is cancerous, it can help establish if further tests, such as biopsy, are warranted.
● Monitoring of thyroid nodules. If you have thyroid nodules, periodic thyroid scans may be recommended to monitor any changes in their size or shape.
● Evaluation of thyroiditis. In cases of suspected thyroiditis (inflammation), imaging studies may be used to assess and monitor the level of inflammation and how it affects thyroid function.
● Enlarged thyroid. An enlarged thyroid, known as a goiter, may develop due to thyroiditis or iodine deficiency. Small goiters may not produce symptoms, but larger ones may produce swelling of the neck, coughing, tightness in the throat and trouble breathing, requiring a thyroid scan to assess goiter severity and plan any needed treatment.
● Suspected thyroid cancer. Symptoms like unexplained and persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, may indicate possible thyroid cancer.
THYROID UPTAKE AND SCAN PROCEDURE
A nuclear medicine thyroid scan utilizes a small amount of radioactive iodine called a radiotracer, which is swallowed in a capsule. The thyroid gland can take up to four hours to absorb the tracer, so the initial appointment is divided into two parts, both on the same day.
The radiotracer emits gamma radiation, which is recognized by a specialized gamma camera during image capture. You lie back on an exam table while the camera takes multiple images of your thyroid gland from different angles. This part of the thyroid scan procedure takes about one hour. You’re then free to go about your day. You will return the following day for the remainder of the procedure, which generally takes only twenty minutes.
In most cases, nearly all of the radioactive dose, which is similar to that of a routine x-ray, will be eliminated from the body the day after the scan, making it a safe procedure for most people, with the exception of women who are pregnant or nursing. In these cases, an alternate imaging procedure is recommended.
A painless, noninvasive nuclear medicine thyroid scan is the preferred imaging study for thyroid problems because it provides:
● Rapid Evaluation – A nuclear medicine thyroid scan can quickly determine if the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone, or there are nodules or inflammation present.
● Superior Detail – Nuclear medicine thyroid scan imaging can provide more detailed and comprehensive views compared to some other tests. The enhanced resolution allows your radiologist and referring clinician to visualize the thyroid gland and any abnormalities in finer detail, enabling a quicker, more precise diagnosis.
● Accurate Localization – Nuclear medicine thyroid scans can localize the thyroid gland itself, as well as any lesions and nodules, which can assist in monitoring conditions, performing a biopsy or staging medical intervention. It is also a valuable tool for monitoring the success of therapy.
● Greater Peace of Mind – Because nuclear medicine imaging techniques may produce faster, more accurate results, they can provide greater comfort and ease for patients.
A nuclear medicine thyroid scan is a safe, pain-free imaging technology that can deliver timely answers so that the appropriate treatment may be readily employed.
RAO FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE THYROID SCANS
If your clinician has recommended that you have a thyroid scan, you likely have a choice of providers.
Radiology Associates of Ocala’s team of Board-certified radiologists includes doctors who subspecialize in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine, for exceptional accuracy. Our radiologists are the exclusive providers of imaging and interventional radiology services at AdventHealth Ocala, HCA Ocala, HCA Ocala West Marion and Tampa General Hospital Crystal River in Citrus County. We have been serving Marion County and the surrounding areas for more than 50 years, securing a reputation for delivering the highest standard of care.
RAO offers nuclear medicine thyroid scans at our Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks, which is fully accredited in Nuclear Medicine by the American College of Radiology for safety, accuracy and state-of-the-art technologies.
For imaging and interventional services you can feel good about, the name to know is RAO.
