Routine Thyroid nodule and cancer screening by ultrasound? You should say No
Do not let your primary physician do routine ultrasound of your thyroid just because he has a portable unit as seen here,
or has a sonographer doing studies. Just say no to routine screening for thyroid nodules and cancer by ultrasound. Too many patients have small thyroid nodules that are harmless, and putting these upfront causes unnecessary patient anxiety and fear of cancer. Insist on definite indications to do an thyroid ultrasound. If in doubt get an opinion form an expert. The ultrasound without indications is a slippery slop to possible biopsy and surgery.
Clinical indications must be present to protect you from having a small micro-nodule biopsied.
Thyroid ultrasound should be limited to evaluations in patients with known risk factors for cancer, such as family history of thyroid cancer or radiation exposure, and palpable thyroid gland abnormalities as nodules or goiter.
Call me at 310-393-8860 or thyroid.manager@thyroid.com.
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