Thyroid/Neck Biopsy

About Your Appointment

The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and you can expect to be at the hospital for about 1 hour.

 

During Your Appointment

  • You will be laying on your back approximately 20 minutes for the biopsy
  • The Radiologist will numb the area using local anesthetic
  • The Radiologist then uses the ultrasound unit to gather images that act as a map to guide the needle into your neck
  • A small sample of tissue will be collected and sent to the laboratory for testing

After Your Appointment

  • You will need to apply pressure for 1 hour after the biopsy and the technologist will provide you with an ice pack
  • You will be asked to sit for 15 minutes in a waiting room to apply pressure
  • If you feel ok you are free to leave but continue to apply pressure to the area for an addition 45 minutes 
  • You cannot drive yourself home after your biopsy and must arrange to have someone pick you up

 

For the next 24 hours: 

  • It is recommended that you do not do any lifting, exercise or excess motion of the biopsied area.
  • Keep the bandage over your puncture site dry;
  • No showering, swimming or bathing;
  • The bandage can be removed after 24 hours. 

Call your provider if you have any concerns about your procedure, biopsy site or medications.

If you experience an increase in bleeding, redness at the biopsy site, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing or develop a fever, please go to the nearest emergency department. 

Schedule a follow up appointment with your health care provider to discuss the results, which typically takes 7-10 days.