If your thyroid gland is swollen, a thyroid scan can help to identify the root cause. A swelling of the thyroid is known as a goitre, and it can arise for a number of different reasons.
Sometimes a goitre will disappear on its own, but in other cases, treatment is required. A goitre ultrasound scan will enable you to make an informed decision about your thyroid health. Our ultrasound thyroid scan is safe and painless.
What causes a goitre?
A goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland that creates a lump at the front of your neck. They are more common in women than in men, and the older you are, the more likely you are to develop one.
Possible causes of a goitre include:
Possible causes of a goitre include:
- An overactive, underactive or inflamed thyroid gland
- Hormone changes – especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause
- A diet that’s too low in iodine
- Certain medications, such as lithium
- Thyroid cancer (although this is rare)
Why book a thyroid scan?
If you have developed a goitre, our ultrasound thyroid scan is a good way to identify the cause.
Once you have the results of your goitre scan, you can make a more informed decision about treatment (if any is needed at all).
Once you have the results of your goitre scan, you can make a more informed decision about treatment (if any is needed at all).
Book now or email info@ultrasoundplus.co.uk for more information about our goitre ultrasound scans.
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Thyroid Scan FAQs
What should I do to prepare for my thyroid scan?
No preparation is necessary for this can.
What happens during the goitre ultrasound scan?
Our sonographer will walk you through the procedure, then ask you to lie down and expose your neck. They will then put some gel on your neck and move an ultrasound over your thyroid in order to obtain diagnostic images. The scan is safe and pain free.
What should I wear to my appointment?
You can wear anything you like, but please bear in mind that you will need to expose your neck to allow our sonographer to perform the scan. For example, if you wear a necklace, this will need to be removed before the scan begins.
Should I tell my doctor about the scan?
Yes, we advise you to inform your GP or healthcare provider in advance that you are planning to have a goitre ultrasound scan. If we detect any abnormalities during the scan, you are responsible for passing our report along to your GP or healthcare provider.
