Nodules are a common finding on thyroid ultrasound; most are benign. The exam documents each nodule's size, margins, and internal composition, characteristics used to determine whether follow-up imaging, biopsy, or continued monitoring is appropriate. When a nodule has been imaged previously, ultrasound allows direct comparison to assess for interval change.

Goiter (Thyroid Enlargement)

A goiter is diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may occur symmetrically or affect one lobe more than the other. Ultrasound measures lobe size and can distinguish diffuse enlargement from enlargement associated with nodules.

Cysts are fluid-filled structures within the thyroid, generally benign. Ultrasound differentiates a cyst from a solid nodule based on internal characteristics, which informs whether further evaluation or periodic monitoring is indicated.

Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can alter its appearance and blood flow on ultrasound. This exam is frequently ordered in conjunction with abnormal thyroid labs to correlate imaging findings with laboratory results.

Thyroid Ultrasounds

Diagnostic imaging in Metairie, serving Greater New Orleans

Thyroid ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging exam used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland. It is commonly ordered to investigate a palpable nodule, gland enlargement, abnormal thyroid function tests, or symptoms such as neck fullness or difficulty swallowing. The exam uses sound waves rather than radiation and requires no injections.
At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound in Metairie, thyroid exams are performed by registered technologists and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist.

30 minutes ᐧ $250 ᐧ Appointments available this week

Book Your Thyroid Ultrasound

✓ Prompt reporting.

Report to your provider within 24 to 48 hours.

✓ Transparent pricing.

$250, self-pay, confirmed before scheduling.

✓ Extended availability.

Appointments are available 7 days a week.

Orange and White Modern Clean Microblog Carousel Content Instagram Post (18).png

Orange and White Modern Clean Microblog Carousel Content Instagram Post (20).png

When this exam is ordered

A thyroid ultrasound may be recommended for

A new or enlarging neck mass
Abnormal thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, or T4)
Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of throat tightness
Hoarseness or voice change
A personal or family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid disease
Monitoring of a previously identified nodule

The exam is performed by a registered technologist and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist, with a report sent to the ordering provider for correlation with clinical and laboratory findings.

What the exam can show

Nodules: size, margins, and internal composition
Goiter: diffuse enlargement of the gland or asymmetry between lobes
Cysts: fluid-filled areas
Thyroiditis: inflammatory changes in gland appearance or vascularity
The isthmus and adjacent soft tissue

The exam also assesses blood flow within the gland. Findings are correlated with laboratory results and, when available, compared with prior imaging.

Orange and White Modern Clean Microblog Carousel Content Instagram Post (19).png

What to expect

Scheduling. Appointments are available 7 days a week. A written order from a licensed provider is required.
Preparation. No fasting or special preparation is required. Patients may eat and drink normally before the exam.
The exam. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. A registered technologist scans both thyroid lobes and the isthmus using a handheld transducer, capturing images in multiple planes. Gentle pressure may be applied to visualize deeper structures.
Reporting. A board-certified radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report, typically sent to the ordering provider within 24 to 48 hours.

What Our Clients Say

“Amazing experience from beginning to end! I was seen quickly, and Cristina really took her time and was extremely thorough. Very clean, relaxing environment.” - Adrianna G.

Do you have a doctor's order?

Every diagnostic ultrasound requires one.

I have a doctor's order

Your provider may fax the order to 337-761-1682, including your name and phone number, and you may then select an appointment time.

Book Your Appointment

I don't have one yet

Diagnostic imaging requires a written order from a licensed provider. If you do not currently have one, you have two options:

Contact your primary care provider or specialist. They may send an order directly to our office.
Schedule a telemedicine visit. A telemedicine visit is billed separately, but we can assist with coordination. NOWW Health offers appointments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for confirmation, and list Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound as your referral on the form. Book With NOWW Health.

Once your order is received, most patients are scheduled within the week.

Book Your Appointment

Thyroid Ultrasounds Near You

Thyroid ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the right and left lobes of the thyroid and the isthmus, the thin band of tissue that connects them. Our registered technologists acquire images from multiple angles to document gland size, tissue characteristics, and the presence of any focal lesions.

Is preparation required before a thyroid ultrasound? No. Unlike some abdominal exams, thyroid ultrasound requires no fasting or special preparation beforehand. Patients may eat, drink, and take their usual medications as normal on the day of the exam. This is because the thyroid gland sits close to the surface of the neck and is not affected by digestion or stomach contents the way abdominal organs are. Simply arrive at your scheduled time; no additional planning is needed.Is the exam painful? No. The exam involves light pressure from the transducer as it's moved across the neck, which most patients find comfortable. It uses no radiation, no needles, and requires no sedation or recovery time. Some patients may be asked to slightly extend or turn their neck to help the technologist capture clearer images of both lobes. Normal activities can be resumed immediately afterward.Does ultrasound determine whether a nodule is cancerous? Ultrasound characterizes a nodule's size, shape, margins, and internal composition, features that help a provider assess how likely a nodule is to be benign or to warrant further evaluation. Certain characteristics, such as irregular margins or specific internal patterns, may prompt a recommendation for a follow-up biopsy. However, ultrasound imaging alone does not provide a definitive cancer diagnosis. A tissue sample, evaluated by a pathologist, is required to make that determination.Is insurance accepted? Exams at Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound are self-pay, with pricing set at $250 and confirmed before scheduling. Payment can be made by card or HSA at the time of your appointment. We do not bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, which allows us to keep pricing straightforward and avoid the delays that can come with prior authorization or claims processing. This also means there are no surprise charges after your visit.How soon are results available? Once your exam is complete, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, who prepares a formal written report. That report is typically sent to your ordering provider within 24 to 48 hours. Your provider will then review the findings alongside your symptoms, labs, and medical history to determine any next steps. Results are not provided directly to patients at the time of the scan, since interpretation and clinical correlation are handled by your provider.

Schedule Your Thyroid Ultrasound

Whether your symptoms started last week or you've been living with them for years, you deserve imaging you can trust and care that takes you seriously. With an expert sonographer, high-resolution equipment, and 7-day availability, Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound makes getting answers feel a little easier.