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.