Thyroid Biopsy

Biopsy, Thyroid

Results

A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the thyroid gland and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other thyroid problems. Results from a thyroid biopsy are usually available in a few days.

Thyroid biopsy

Normal:	The biopsy shows normal thyroid tissue.
Abnormal:	The biopsy sample shows thyroid disease (such as inflammation of the thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, or a non-cancerous (benign) tumour.
	A thyroid cyst is found at the time of a biopsy. Most cysts of the thyroid gland are non-cancerous.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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