Thyroid neck ultrasound with Doppler
Thyroid ultrasound in Casablanca
A thyroid ultrasound, often called a neck ultrasound, uses ultrasound to examine the butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck, as well as the nearby lymph nodes and parathyroid glands. Without X-rays or injection, it measures the volume of the thyroid, looks for nodules and describes their appearance. The radiologist often classifies each nodule on a risk scale, which helps the doctor choose between simple monitoring and a needle aspiration.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
A thyroid ultrasound usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Nodule or swelling found when the doctor feels the neck.
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, in addition to blood tests.
- Monitoring of one or more known thyroid nodules.
- Looking for thyroiditis (inflammation of the gland), for example Hashimoto's disease.
- Follow-up after thyroid surgery, especially of the lymph nodes in the neck.
- Looking for an enlarged parathyroid gland when calcium is high.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back with a small cushion under your shoulders to free your neck, your head tilted slightly back. After you remove necklaces and scarf, the doctor applies gel to the front of your neck and glides the probe over it, on one side and then the other.
The doctor may ask you to swallow or turn your head a little, to see certain areas better. Doppler, added during the exam, shows blood flow in the gland and in the nodules. The pressure of the probe is light and painless. Any needle aspiration of a nodule is a separate procedure, scheduled according to your doctor's decision. At the end, the gel wipes off easily and you leave with no special instructions.
Preparation
- Wear a top that easily uncovers your neck, not a turtleneck.
- Bring your latest thyroid blood tests (TSH, and if applicable hormones and antibodies).
- Remove necklaces, scarf and long earrings before the exam.
Fasting
No fasting is needed: you can eat, drink and take your thyroid medication as usual.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is used: Doppler studies the vessels of the gland with the same probe, with no needle.
Contraindications and precautions
- No contraindication related to ultrasound, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Wound, dressing or recent scar on the neck: tell us; the probe is applied with care.
- Difficulty lying with your head tilted back (neck pain, shortness of breath): let the team know so the position can be adapted.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the doctor or endocrinologist
- Recent thyroid blood tests
- Previous ultrasounds and needle aspiration reports, to compare the nodules
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
My doctor found a nodule: is it serious?
Thyroid nodules are very common and most often benign. The ultrasound describes their size and appearance, which allows the doctor to decide on simple monitoring or further tests, such as a needle aspiration. Only your doctor can interpret the result in your situation.
What does the score given to nodules mean?
The radiologist may classify each nodule on a risk scale, based on its shape, its borders and its content. This classification indicates whether it is useful to perform a needle aspiration of the nodule or to monitor it. It is not a diagnosis, but a decision aid for your doctor.
Should I stop my thyroid medication before the exam?
No. The ultrasound studies the shape of the gland, not how it works: your treatment does not interfere with the exam. Continue it as usual, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Does the ultrasound need to be repeated regularly?
For a nodule with a reassuring appearance, monitoring at long intervals is often offered, at the pace set by your doctor. Bring your previous ultrasounds to each exam: comparing the size and appearance of the nodules from one exam to the next is essential.