A thyroid scan is a medical imaging procedure used to evaluate the structure and function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ. It is located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by producing thyroid hormones. A thyroid scan is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring thyroid disorders and providing essential information for treatment decisions. Healthcare professionals with expertise in thyroid disorders will usually choose the specific type of scan and interpretation of results. They may be endocrinologists, nuclear medicine specialists, or radiologists.
How does a thyroid scan work?
The processes involved in the working mechanism of a thyroid scan include:
- Radioactive Iodine Tracer
- Administration of the Radioactive Iodine
- Uptake by the Thyroid Gland
- Gamma Camera Imaging:
- Image Analysis
Interpretation and Diagnosis of Thyroid Scan
Based on the scan results, healthcare providers can make various assessments:
Hyperthyroidism: If the thyroid gland takes up too much radioactive iodine, it indicates overactivity.
Hypothyroidism: If the thyroid takes up too little radioactive iodine, it suggests underactivity.
Thyroid Nodules or Tumors: The scan can also help identify the presence of thyroid nodules or tumors.
Thyroiditis: In cases of thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), the scan may show varying patterns of iodine uptake.
It is important to note that the radioactive iodine used in these scans emits little radiation, which is considered safe for diagnostic purposes.
Types of thyroid scans
There are two main types of thyroid scans that include:
1. Radioactive Iodine Scan (RAI):
RAI is the most common type of thyroid scan to evaluate the thyroid’s function. It involves using a radioactive form of iodine, usually iodine-123 or iodine-131. The patient either swallows a small amount of radioactive iodine or receives it through an injection. It all depends on the specific test. The thyroid gland takes up iodine to produce thyroid hormones, so the radioactive iodine accumulates in the thyroid tissue.
In this type of thyroid scan, a special camera, known as a gamma camera, is used to perceive the radiation emitted by the thyroid. The Radioactive Iodine Scan provides information about thethyroid gland’s size, shape, and function. It helps to detect thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and thyroid nodules.
2. TU or Thyroid Ultrasound
This type of thyroid scan uses a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland. It helps to evaluate the structure of the thyroid and identify any abnormalities, such as nodules, cysts, or tumors. Thyroid ultrasound can help distinguish between solid and fluid-filled masses in the thyroid, aiding in diagnosing thyroid conditions.
The choice between these two types of scans depends on the specific clinical question the healthcare provider is trying to answer. In some cases, healthcare professionals combined use both scan types to get a complete assessment of the thyroid gland.
Bottom Line
Thyroid scans use radioactive materials, so only trained healthcare professionals will perform them to control the radiation exposure to the patient. Additionally, the scan choice and interpretation of the results should be done by a qualified healthcare provider or radiologist.
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