Ultrasound Examination

Ultrasound examination is the most accurate and useful imaging test to detect nodules or lumps within
the thyroid gland. Ultrasound procedure uses sound waves to produce images of the thyroid gland and
the images can be captured to assess the size, shape, structure and any abnormalities of the thyroid gland. Accurate measurement of the size of the thyroid nodules can be made using ultrasound imaging. It also assists in evaluation of the variations in the thyroid tissue such as enlargement caused by goiter and decrease in size caused by inflammation, and can differentiate between solid, fluid filled or complex type of thyroid nodules.

Thyroid ultrasound is recommended by your doctor in following conditions:

If a thyroid nodule can be felt on physical examination
In suspicion of hormonal disorder of the thyroid gland
In swallowing disorders
If you are at a high risk for thyroid cancer with family history of thyroid malignancy and radiation
therapy to the neck during childhood
To evaluate changes in the size of thyroid nodule during follow-up
To monitor your condition after surgery for removal of thyroid gland

The role of ultrasound in diagnosis of thyroid conditions is complex and involves detection of the
thyroid and neck masses, distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules, and guidance during
fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and percutaneous treatment.

Thyroid Biopsy

Biopsies of the thyroid gland are very important procedures that can clarify the nature of a nodule to decide if it is benign or a cancerous tumor of the thyroid.

It is done in our office as an outpatient procedure much more comfortable that having to check in in a hospital for a procedure. The procedure takes only a few minutes and it’s done guided by ultrasound imaging to ascertain the accuracy of the sample.

It uses local anesthesia so it’s painless. Does not require any special preparations and does not require that the patient fasts before the procedure. The patient can resume usual activity as soon as the biopsy is finished. The results will be available within one week and will utilize DNA analysis of the sample if necessary.

FAQs

What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?

Apart from medicare and your insurance information

• Referral letter from GP, family physician or other doctor
• Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
• Have your Private Hospital Insurance information with you
• Reports, X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans etc and any other relevant information

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is partly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition, and also because Medicare pays higher rebates for specialist services if you have been referred.

How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care?

Before seeing any medical specialist, it is always preferable to talk to your own family doctor, who can discuss your condition with you and advice on whether any specialist care is appropriate. If it is, he or she can help you to choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your family doctor can help the specialist to care for you better by providing relevant information about your health. Communicating with the specialist will also enable your family doctor to care for you better during and after your specialist treatment.

What should I expect during first visit?

During your initial visit, the doctor will explain the specific test or procedure you want, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. He may do a physical examination and ask you a bunch of questions. Once you go and have the test done then he will decide what your diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diabetes

• American Diabetes Association
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Diabetes Health
• Insulin Help

Endocrine in General

• The Hormone foundation

Thyroid

• The Thyroid Society
• American Thyroid Association
• Thyroid cancer survivors

Nutrition Information

• The daily Plate
• Weight Watchers

External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites.

To learn about a variety of hormone-related conditions and how to treat them, please select the links below. Hormone Health Network fact sheets and patient guides are developed by experts in the field of endocrinology. Our goal is to provide you with resources to foster communication with your physician and help you make informed decisions about your health.

Click here to view a list of available Patient Guides.

Fact Sheet Categories:

• Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
• Diabetes
• Growth Disorders
• Hormone Abuse
• Menopause and Women’s Health
• Men’s Health
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health
• Thyroid Disorders

External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites.

The endocrine system is a complex group of glands that helps to control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development through substances called hormones. It also controls the way you respond to your surroundings and provides the proper amount of energy your body needs to function. Sometimes the glands of the endocrine system are impaired and can cause a hormone imbalance. This hormone imbalance (or endocrine disease/condition) can affect your health in many ways, and some endocrine system diseases/conditions are more serious than others.

Visit the following resources to learn more about the endocrine system and hormone health:

• Cardiovascular Endocrinology
• Cushing Syndrome & Endocrine Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Female Reproductive Health Problems
• Growth Disorders
• Male Reproductive Health Problems
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Pituitary Disorders
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Thyroid Conditions/Disorders
• Other Conditions

External Content Disclaimer

*Please note that pages of this site may be linked to other websites, which may have different terms of use and privacy practices than Privia Medical Group. Privia does not own, control, manage, supervise, direct, or otherwise have involvement in such other websites or the content of such websites. Privia is not responsible for the content of any linked websites. Privia is not acting as an agent for these websites, nor does Privia endorse or guarantee, in any way, their websites, content, or products. Privia makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of information contained in linked websites, takes no responsibility for the use of copyrighted or otherwise protected materials on such linked websites, and has no control over the privacy practices or use of user information at such linked websites

The endocrine system is one of the body’s main systems for communicating, controlling and coordinating the body’s work. It works with the nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys, gut, liver, pancreas and fat to help maintain and control the following:

• body energy levels
• reproduction
• growth and development
• internal balance of body systems, called homeostasis
• responses to surroundings, stress and injury

The endocrine system accomplishes these tasks via a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete certain types of hormones. Hormones are special chemicals that move into body fluid after they are made by one cell or a group of cells. Different types of hormones cause different effects on other cells or tissues of the body.

Endocrine glands make hormones that are used inside the body. Other glands make substances like saliva, that reach the outside of the body. Endocrine glands and endocrine-related organs are like factories. They produce and store hormones and release them as needed. When the body needs these substances, the bloodstream carries the proper types of hormones to specific targets. These targets may be organs, tissues, or cells. To function normally, the body needs glands that work correctly, a blood supply that works well to move hormones through the body to their target points, receptor places on the target cells for the hormones to do their work, and a system for controlling how hormones are produced and used.

What could go wrong? Endocrine system diseases and disorders happen when one or more of the endocrine systems in your body are not working well. Hormones may be released in amounts that are too great or too small for the body to work normally. These irregularities are also called a hormone imbalance. There may not be enough receptors, or binding sites, for the hormones so that they can direct the work that needs to be done. These hormone imbalances may be the result of a problem with the system regulating the hormones in the blood stream, or the body may have difficulty controlling hormone levels because of problems clearing hormones from the blood. For example, a hormone imbalance may occur if a person’s liver or kidneys are not working well, resulting in a hormone level in the bloodstream that is too high.

If you or your primary care physician suspects that you have an endocrine disorder, you may need a specialist called an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who diagnoses and treats endocrine system diseases, which are diseases that affect your glands and hormone levels. They know how to treat conditions, which are often complex and involve many systems and structures within your body. Your regular doctor refers you to an endocrinologist when you have a problem with your endocrine system.