Neck Procedures: Thyroid and Parathyroid

Radiol Clin North Am. 2020 Nov;58(6):1085-1098. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2020.07.005. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of masses in the neck predominantly include samples from thyroid nodules, parathyroids and lymph nodes. The diagnostic rate of a thyroid nodule FNA improves up to 6 passes and then does not significantly change. Thyroid FNA can be performed on patients who are anticoagulated. Appropriate transducer selection is essential for visualization of the needle. Lymph node biopsies can be additionally sampled for thyroglobulin assay to improve sensitivity for detection of recurrent carcinoma. Parathyroid FNA usually involves additional estimation of parathyroid hormone concentration in needle washouts. Biopsies of the neck are simple procedures with minimal complications.

Keywords: Core biopsy; Fine needle; Sonography; Thyroid; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods*
  • Biopsy, Large-Core Needle / methods*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / mortality
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy / methods*
  • Male
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Nodule / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Nodule / pathology
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods