A thyroid biopsy procedure is just like any other biopsy where a sample of the tissue is extracted from the body in order to diagnose a particular condition. The sample tissue is taken from the thyroid gland which is located just in front of the windpipe and just below the larynx. The thyroid gland is in charge of creating two thyroid hormones with the help of iodine that it sources from the food we eat. The only source of iodine in the human body is from the food we eat, making the thyroid gland rather important in that respect. The lack or overproduction of these hormones leads to the development of medical conditions that could have a very significant effect on your lifestyle. The inadequate production of hormones leads to the development of hypothyroidism while the overproduction of hormones leads to hyperthyroidism. Aspects of an individual's lifestyle that are affected with the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland include significant changes in weight gain and loss, body temperature, digestion and muscle functionality. A thyroid biopsy procedure may be performed by the presiding doctor in an effort to get a sample tissue which will shed clear light on any medical problems affecting the thyroid gland.
There are two types of thyroid biopsy procedures- Fine needle biopsy and Open biopsy. In the Fine needle biopsy, the doctor will insert a thin needle into the skin and thyroid gland in order to retrieve a sample of the thyroid tissue. In an open biopsy procedure, the doctor will make a small incision in the skin near the thyroid gland in order to have a closer look at the gland. The thyroid biopsy procedure risks vary from one type of the procedure to the next, while problems like infection and reactions to anesthetic being common. It is important to consult your doctor about the risks involved in the procedure as well as recovery time and how best to aid recovery. Preparation for the procedure will require you to abstain from any kind of food or drink for a period of about 10 hours prior to the commencement of an open biopsy procedure. In an open biopsy procedure the doctor will also administer general anesthesia to sedate you throughout the operation. Fine needle biopsies do not require any significant preparation for the procedure and you will remain awake throughout the process as well. Thyroid biopsy procedure codes can be found through a number of sources such as at the local hospital as well as through trustworthy internet websites as well.