Discharge Instructions for Fine-Needle Thyroid Biopsy
You had a procedure called fine-needle thyroid biopsy. This biopsy may be ordered to assess a nodule or cyst in your thyroid gland or enlargement of the thyroid. During the biopsy, a very thin needle is inserted through the skin into the gland. The needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the gland. Or the needle is used to drain fluid from a cyst. The tissue or fluid is then studied in a lab. The procedure is often done in a clinic or doctor’s office.
Home Care
You will have a small adhesive bandage on your biopsy site. Leave the bandage in place for 4-6 hours.
If you feel discomfort after the test, take over-the-counter pain medication. Do not take aspirin.
Ask your doctor when you can return to work and normal activities. This will likely be the same day as your procedure.
Getting Your Results
Your biopsy results may take a few days. When the results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our your doctor.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Bleeding that won’t stop
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Fever of 100.4°F or higher
Increasing pain, redness, tenderness, or drainage at the biopsy site
Swelling of the biopsy site