What does a thyroid ultrasound screening show my healthcare provider?

Your healthcare provider recommended a thyroid ultrasound so they can take a closer look at your thyroid gland and the area around it. Your thyroid gland is located in your neck, and produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and growth.

A thyroid ultrasound can give your provider a lot of valuable information about your thyroid health, and thyroid ultrasounds are non-invasive, so the scan is quick and easy for most people.

We’ll show you exactly what you need to know about what an ultrasound can show, including any thyroid nodules, your lymph nodes, and the blood flow in your thyroid. Let’s take a closer look at what your thyroid ultrasound results can show.

Revealing the overall health of your thyroid gland

A thyroid ultrasound gives your healthcare provider valuable insights into the overall health of your thyroid gland, offering clues about its structure and function, as well as any potential health conditions.

What can an ultrasound reveal about my thyroid health?  

A thyroid ultrasound focuses on the size, shape, and texture of your thyroid gland, which plays a critical role in regulating your body’s metabolism. Ultrasounds can determine whether your thyroid is of normal size or if it has become enlarged, a condition known as a goiter.

It can also detect the presence of thyroid nodules, which are small lumps in your thyroid that are common, but sometimes require further evaluation to determine if they are benign or potentially harmful.

An ultrasound can also reveal signs of inflammation or structural abnormalities that may indicate underlying thyroid disorders, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. If your thyroid screening shows unusual features, your provider may recommend additional testing to pinpoint the cause, and to develop a tailored treatment plan.  

What does the shape of my thyroid reveal about potential conditions?  

A healthy thyroid typically has a symmetrical butterfly shape, with two lobes connected by a thin strip of tissue.

An irregularly shaped thyroid could suggest a potential area of concern. Changes in shape could also signal structural shifts caused by long-term conditions like iodine deficiency or autoimmune diseases.  

How does the texture of my thyroid help to identify abnormalities?

Some changes to the texture of your thyroid can indicate an underlying condition. A patchy or uneven texture may suggest inflammation, which is often linked to autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A grainy or coarse texture can indicate a chronic condition that affects your thyroid function.

Nodules, cysts, and other growths may also alter the texture of your thyroid. Solid nodules typically show up as denser areas, while fluid-filled cysts appear as darker spots on your ultrasound results.

Identifying and evaluating potential thyroid nodules  

A thyroid nodule is a small lump or growth that forms within the thyroid gland. Most nodules are harmless and don’t cause symptoms, but some may need further evaluation with an ultrasound, to ensure there are no signs of cancer or other health concerns.

Thyroid nodules are a common finding, and while many are harmless, a thyroid ultrasound is a highly effective tool for identifying and analyzing these nodules.

How does an ultrasound find if I have thyroid nodules?

A thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of your thyroid gland, allowing your provider to identify any nodules present. These nodules appear as distinct areas on the ultrasound image, standing out against the background of the thyroid’s normal tissue.

Whether a nodule is small or large, an ultrasound is sensitive enough to detect it and capture its precise location within the gland. An ultrasound also provides a clear look at whether the nodules are solid, fluid-filled, or a combination of both.

What does the size, shape, and composition of the nodules tell my healthcare provider?

The size, shape, and composition of thyroid nodules give your provider valuable insights into their nature and whether they might pose a concern.

Larger nodules may require additional evaluation, as they could potentially press against nearby structures or cause noticeable symptoms. Similarly, irregularly shaped nodules can sometimes indicate abnormal growth patterns that need further investigation.

Your provider will check if a nodule is solid, fluid-filled, or a mixture of both. Solid nodules may require closer scrutiny because they can sometimes be associated with thyroid cancer, though most are benign. Fluid-filled nodules, also known as cysts, are generally less worrisome but may still need monitoring if they grow or cause discomfort.

How can my ultrasound results help my provider evaluate a thyroid nodule?

Your thyroid ultrasound results can reveal whether the nodule has smooth or irregular edges, which may help differentiate between benign and more concerning nodules. It can also show whether there is increased blood flow in the nodule, which might warrant additional testing.

Another critical aspect the ultrasound highlights is the presence of tiny calcium deposits that are sometimes associated with more serious conditions.

By analyzing a thyroid nodule, your provider can decide whether it needs to be monitored over time, or analyzed with further diagnostic tests, or if it poses no immediate concerns for your health.

Examining your lymph nodes and other neck tissues

A thyroid ultrasound doesn’t just focus on your thyroid gland, but also gives your healthcare provider valuable information about your lymph nodes and the neck tissues that surround your thyroid.

Your thyroid ultrasound results will give your healthcare provider a complete picture of your neck’s health, and identify any signs that may be linked to thyroid or other conditions.

How do the size and shape of my lymph nodes help my provider to evaluate my thyroid health?

On a thyroid ultrasound, your healthcare provider will check whether your lymph nodes are of normal size, have a regular shape, and show the expected internal structure.

Enlarged or irregularly shaped lymph nodes can sometimes indicate an illness or other underlying issues, like an infection or inflammation.

When it comes to your thyroid health, certain changes in nearby lymph nodes might also suggest a connection to thyroid conditions. If your provider is concerned about thyroid nodules, then the ultrasound can check the lymph nodes for signs that may warrant closer examination, like abnormal patterns or unusual density.

How does an ultrasound examine my lymph nodes for signs of inflammation or other abnormalities?

During a thyroid ultrasound, sound waves create detailed images of the lymph nodes in your neck, allowing your provider to assess their condition. Healthy lymph nodes typically appear as small, oval-shaped structures with a smooth outline and a well-defined central area.

If a lymph node is inflamed, it might appear larger than normal, with changes in its internal structure or blood flow pattern. Ultrasound can also detect other subtle abnormalities that might not be apparent through a physical exam alone.

What do changes in your neck tissues suggest about potential thyroid conditions?

The tissues surrounding your thyroid gland can provide additional clues about your thyroid health. 

Ultrasound can also highlight abnormal growths or masses in the neck area that could be affecting the function of your thyroid or nearby structures.

In some cases, these changes may indicate that your thyroid is being influenced by other factors, like an autoimmune response or structural changes in your neck.

Analyzing blood flow in your thyroid gland

One of the most valuable aspects of a thyroid ultrasound is its ability to analyze blood flow within your thyroid gland.

Blood flow patterns can reveal critical information about the gland’s health, helping your healthcare provider determine whether your thyroid is functioning normally or showing signs of a potential issue.

What can blood flow in my thyroid tell my healthcare provider about my thyroid health?

The blood flow in your thyroid gland provides important insights into its activity and overall health. A healthy thyroid typically has a consistent and moderate level of blood circulation. Changes in blood flow, whether increased or decreased, can signal potential conditions that may affect how your thyroid functions. 

Excessive blood flow in your thyroid could mean that it’s working too hard, which can be associated with conditions like Graves’ disease. Reduced or uneven blood flow could suggest inflammation, scarring, or other structural issues within the gland.

How can an ultrasound help to evaluate the blood flow in my thyroid?

Thyroid ultrasounds use technology to measure and visualize the blood flow in and around your thyroid gland. This specialized technique detects the movement of blood within the gland, creating a dynamic image that shows the speed and direction of circulation.

With ultrasound imaging, your healthcare provider can see whether blood flow is evenly distributed across the thyroid, or if certain areas show abnormal patterns, like increased blood supply to nodules, or areas that are inflamed.

What does increased or decreased blood flow tell my provider about my thyroid function?

Increased blood flow in the thyroid, often noticeable in cases of overactivity, can indicate heightened gland activity related to conditions such as hyperthyroidism or inflammation.

This may show up on imaging as a greater-than-normal circulation of blood through the thyroid, which reflects the gland working harder, or responding to immune system activity.

Decreased or restricted blood flow in specific areas might suggest scarring, tissue damage, or other structural changes that could affect your thyroid function.

Ultrasound screenings that include blood flow analysis provide an invaluable look into your thyroid’s activity and health.

How to schedule an appointment with us

Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment.

With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region. 

We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.

Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:

• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
• Medford Office – Medford, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Mount Laurel Office – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Route 73 (Voorhees) Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
• Sewell (Washington Township) Office – Sewell, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ
• Women’s Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
• Women’s Center at Medford – Medford, NJ
• Women’s Center at Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ

Learn more abut the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze, and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.