Doppler Ultrasound of the Thyroid
- How it works Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images and detect blood flow within the thyroid gland
- Suitable for
- Initial screening to assess the size and appearance of the thyroid
- Detecting and evaluating thyroid nodules
- Assessing thyroid function through blood flow
- Pros
- No radiation, safe even for pregnant women
- Painless, no need for injections or contrast agents
- Affordable and easily accessible
- Can be repeated frequently as recommended by your doctor
- Limitations
- Cannot visualize structures deep within the body or obscured by bone
- Cannot definitively determine the type of nodule (requires a biopsy)
CT Scan of the Thyroid
- How it works Uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the thyroid
- Suitable for
- Detecting the spread of thyroid cancer to lymph nodes or other organs
- Evaluating the size and location of significantly abnormal thyroid glands
- Pros
- Provides clear images of structures surrounding the thyroid
- Limitations
- Uses X-rays, may have minor side effects
- Relatively expensive
- Not suitable for pregnant women
Which One to Choose?
- If you need an initial screening or want to monitor thyroid nodules, Doppler ultrasound is a good option
- If you suspect thyroid cancer or need to check for the spread of the disease, CT scan might be more appropriate