Thyroid Ultrasound Basics for New Orleans Patients

Key Insights

• A thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the gland’s size, structure, and any nodules or cysts. It is one of the most informative first-line exams for thyroid concerns.

• The scan is painless, safe, and does not involve radiation, which makes it appropriate for repeated monitoring. Providers rely on ultrasound for detailed, real-time visualization.

• Thyroid ultrasounds help identify nodules, inflammation, enlargement, and other structural changes that may explain symptoms or abnormal lab results. They also support early detection when findings require follow-up.

• Most appointments take about 30 minutes and require no preparation. You will lie face up on an exam table while the technologist captures views of both lobes and the isthmus.

• Thyroid ultrasounds support diagnosis, baseline evaluation, and long-term monitoring. This helps your provider determine next steps confidently and accurately.

  
  

Thyroid changes often show up gradually through symptoms like swelling, tightness, or shifts in hormone levels, and providers typically rely on imaging to understand what is happening beneath the surface. 

A thyroid ultrasound is a painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time views of the thyroid gland and the tissues around it. 

At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, these detailed images help your provider evaluate nodules, inflammation, enlargement, or other structural changes that may explain your symptoms. Because the exam is safe, quick, and highly precise, it is one of the most common first steps in assessing thyroid concerns.

What Is a Thyroid Ultrasound?

A thyroid ultrasound evaluates the thyroid gland at the front of the neck and documents its size, structure, and internal characteristics. Providers often order this study when a lump is felt during a physical exam or when thyroid hormone levels shift.

How ultrasound imaging works

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissues. A handheld transducer sends sound waves into the body, and the returning echoes are converted into clear, real-time images. Since ultrasounds use sound waves rather than radiation, the exam is safe for a wide range of patients and can be performed as often as clinically needed.

Why this method is preferred for the thyroid

Ultrasound provides a level of detail that is ideal for evaluating thyroid tissue. It can show nodules as small as a few millimeters and is considered the first-line imaging method for almost all thyroid nodule assessments. The American Thyroid Association notes that ultrasound is the recommended initial test for evaluating thyroid enlargement, nodules, or other structural concerns.

What These Scans Can Diagnose

Thyroid ultrasounds can detect a range of structural changes that may not be evident through a physical exam alone.

Thyroid nodules

Nodules are one of the most common findings. An ultrasound evaluates:

• Size and exact location

• Shape and margins

• Internal pattern or composition

• Blood flow

• Features that may require follow-up

  
  

These details help determine if additional imaging or biopsy is needed.

Goiter and enlargement

An enlarged thyroid can cause neck tightness, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice. Ultrasound confirms gland size, documents asymmetry between the lobes, and identifies whether the enlargement is diffuse or focused in one area.

Cysts and inflammatory changes

Fluid-filled cysts and changes associated with thyroiditis are well visualized with ultrasound. Inflammation can show altered texture or increased vascularity. These characteristics help providers differentiate between types of thyroid disease.

Nearby structures and lymph nodes

The scan often includes portions of the neck surrounding the thyroid gland. This helps identify enlarged lymph nodes or soft-tissue changes that may be associated with thyroid disorders.

When Providers Recommend Thyroid Ultrasounds

A thyroid ultrasound may be recommended when symptoms, laboratory findings, or clinical history suggest a need for further evaluation.

Symptom-related triggers

Providers often order thyroid ultrasounds for:

• A visible or palpable neck mass

• Hoarseness or voice changes

• Persistent throat tightness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Lower neck swelling

  
  

When symptoms progress or occur suddenly, imaging helps determine the underlying cause.

Lab abnormalities

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels, including TSH, T3, and T4, sometimes point to inflammation, enlargement, or structural irregularities. Ultrasound helps correlate lab findings with visual evidence.

Long-term monitoring

Patients with a history of thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, or past abnormal imaging often require periodic ultrasounds. These follow-up scans document changes over time, allowing providers to catch new findings early.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Thyroid ultrasounds are comfortable and simple, and most take about 30 minutes.

How to prepare

No fasting or medication changes are needed. However, you should wear a top that allows easy access to the neck area, or be ready to adjust the collar.

Step-by-step process

During the exam:

1. You will lie face up on an exam table with your head slightly tilted back.

2. A small amount of gel will be applied to your neck to help transmit sound waves.

3. The technologist will move the transducer over the right and left lobes of the thyroid and the isthmus.

4. Images are taken in transverse and longitudinal views for complete evaluation.

   
   

Gentle pressure may be used to visualize deeper structures or evaluate the mobility of nodules.

Radiologist interpretation

Once images are complete, a board-certified radiologist reviews the study and creates a detailed report. Your provider receives the findings directly to help guide diagnosis and determine next steps.

Are Thyroid Ultrasounds Safe?

Yes. Thyroid ultrasounds use sound waves to create images, not radiation. This makes the exam safe for routine evaluation, repeated studies, and long-term monitoring when necessary.

Thyroid Ultrasound FAQs

1. What does a thyroid ultrasound look for?

A thyroid ultrasound is a test that evaluates the gland’s size, structure, and internal features. It helps identify nodules, cysts, inflammation, and other changes that may explain symptoms.

2. Does a thyroid ultrasound involve radiation?

No. Thyroid ultrasounds use sound waves, not radiation, to generate images. 

3. How long does a thyroid ultrasound take?

A thyroid ultrasound typically lasts about 30 minutes. The technologist captures detailed images of both thyroid lobes and the isthmus.

4. Can a thyroid ultrasound detect thyroid cancer?

A thyroid ultrasound can identify characteristics that may raise concern for thyroid cancer. If needed, your provider may recommend additional imaging or biopsy.

5. Is any preparation needed before the exam?

No preparation is required. However, you may be asked to adjust your clothing to allow the technologist access to the neck.

Book Your Thyroid Ultrasound in Greater New Orleans

Clear imaging is often the next step when symptoms, lab changes, or a neck mass raise questions about thyroid health. 

At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, our technologists capture high-quality thyroid images that give your provider the detail needed for accurate evaluation. Every thyroid study is reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and appointments are available without long wait times. If your provider has recommended a thyroid ultrasound, our team is ready to support your next step.

Book your thyroid ultrasound in Metairie today.*

*A provider’s order is required before booking your thyroid ultrasound.