Thyroid biopsy procedure | Competitive costs in Turkey 2024

Thyroid biopsy : What is it ?

A thyroid biopsy is a medical procedure to remove a piece of tissue from an abnormal thyroid gland by inserting a needle through the skin. The tissue removed is then carefully examined under a microscope in a laboratory by a pathologist to determine the nature of the lesion, including whether it is cancerous or benign.

These results play a crucial role in helping the physician choose the most appropriate treatment for the patient. It's important to recognize that biopsies can have a therapeutic effect as well as a diagnostic one.

Recommendations before biopsy

A consultation with your physician is essential before any biopsy. During this meeting, the doctor will explain in detail how the biopsy will be performed, from preparation to expected results. This is an ideal time to ask any questions you may have and to address any concerns you may have.

Next, your doctor will examine the area to be biopsied to determine the most appropriate technique for you and to ensure your safety.

You should also mention any allergies you may have and any medications you are taking, such as anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, and other blood-thinning medications. 

No preparation is necessary before the day of the biopsy. In fact, a light snack is recommended. 

Thyroid biopsy procedure in Turkey

Thyroid biopsy is a quick, minimally invasive, and generally well-tolerated procedure. It is an important step in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.

On the day of the biopsy, you will lie comfortably on the examination table. The doctor will use a fine needle to remove three or four samples. Once the samples have been taken, a small bandage will be applied to the puncture site. This bandage will stay on for a few hours.

The thyroid biopsy usually takes about 30 minutes. The puncture itself may be slightly painful due to the fineness of the needle, but no anesthesia is required. The sensation is similar to that of a blood test.

For a few minutes after the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or a burning sensation in the neck.

Postoperative results of the surgical operation

Laboratory analysis of a thyroid biopsy usually takes about three to four weeks. 

The healthcare team will apply a bandage to the area where the needle was inserted. Pressure will be applied for a few minutes to make sure there is minimal bleeding. You will be able to leave as soon as the needle biopsy procedure is complete.

In some cases, the healthcare team in Turkey will monitor you for a few hours to make sure there are no complications from the biopsy.

If you are given a sedative or general anesthesia through a venous line, you will be taken to a comfortable place to relax until the effects wear off.

To protect the area where the needle biopsy will be performed, the dressing should remain in place as directed. Some soreness at the biopsy site is to be expected. However, this usually disappears within two days.

The thyroid biopsy report will be sent to your treating physician who will comment on the results. Depending on the results, you may be advised to follow up with an ultrasound scan a few weeks later and regular monitoring for any abnormalities, or even surgery.  

Side effects of thyroid biopsy

A biopsy has a low risk of bleeding and infection in the area where the needle is going to be inserted. This is because mild pain may have occurred after a needle biopsy, but it can usually be controlled with pain relievers.
Please contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following side effects:

• Fever.
• Pain at the biopsy site worsens or is not controlled with medication.
• Swelling of the biopsy part.
• Bleeding that does not stop even when a bandage is put on.