en.aazsante.fr

The Largest Portal Of Health And Quality Of Life.

Imaging tests may be decisive in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases

Imaging tests may be decisive in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases

Ultrasonography (US) has been evolving very fast in recent years and is assuming an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of thyroid disease. The ultrasound equipment is being improved progressively, both in image quality and in programs that allow objective analysis of the gland. These improvements are making it possible to view small changes in the thyroid, earlier and earlier.

The ultrasound examination has revolutionized thyroid disease research, especially when it includes color Doppler and pulsed Doppler analysis. This test, called the colored thyroid Doppler duplex (DDT), is superior to the simple US because it provides important additional information.

In my opinion, when there is any indication of thyroid problem, at least a simple ultrasound should be requested. If available, the realization of a DDT is undoubtedly the best. These tests may show changes in the thyroid before the person shows symptoms and signs of illness and even before the blood tests.

When there is a large increase in thyroid hormone levels in the blood (hyperthyroidism) or a large decrease (hypothyroidism), several symptoms and signs are present (see in previous articles). However, small increases or decreases in hormones may go undetected. The same is true for thyroid nodules. When large, they may even be visible, but small nodules may not be noticeable, even by examination of palpation by an experienced physician.

A simple, rapid, safe, effective and non-invasive examination can be extremely useful for diagnosis As an example of the importance of ultrasonography, it is worth remembering that simple palpation of the thyroid is able to identify nodules in approximately 5% of women and 1% of men. The high resolution US allows the detection of nodules in 19 to 67% of individuals selected at random. That is, using only the palpation, many nodules would no longer be identified. In fact, the vast majority of nodules are benign, but it is necessary to exclude the presence of thyroid cancer that represents 5% to 10% of the nodules thyroid. In the presence of a nodule, the DDT in addition to being able to detect the nodule, may show several characteristics that increase the probability of being a cancer or a benign nodule. In suspected cancer, thyroid biopsy (aspiration puncture) is needed to clarify the nature of the nodule.

The same holds true for other diseases of the gland, when DDT is of extreme importance both to diagnose them and to diagnose them. to differentiate them. These include: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, acute thyroiditis among others. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, for example, may be evident to DDT and go undetected in the blood test, especially in the early stage.

DDT is necessary even when the blood test accuses some thyroid disease because, in addition to confirming allows you to check whether other changes are present. Thus, if a person has evidence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease in the blood, in addition to DDT contributing to confirm the disease, it also identifies nodules that could go unnoticed at the thyroid palpation examination. simple, rapid, safe, effective and non-invasive examination can be extremely useful for the early diagnosis of thyroid diseases. However, for DDT to have the above qualities it is essential that it be performed in suitable equipment and, mainly, by a good sonographer. Otherwise, it may show false results that confuse the diagnosis.

Therefore, US or DDT are indispensable tests that, in the hands of an experienced professional, can be decisive for the diagnosis of diseases of the thyroid gland.


7 Signs that abdominal pain is not related to gas

7 Signs that abdominal pain is not related to gas

Abdominal pain is often very much linked to gas. "Some people have a hypersensitivity to a small increase in the amount of gas, which causes more pain," says gastroenterologist Renata Madureita of the Medical and Esthetic Center of Rio de Janeiro (CETERJ). Man with his hand on his belly signaling pains in the region - "Photo: Getty Images" However, this is not the only cause of the problem.

(Health)

Rigorous education and training characterize the dental profession

Rigorous education and training characterize the dental profession

The level of education and training clinic required to obtain a degree in dentistry and the high academic standard of dental schools are equivalent to those of medical schools and are essential for the preparation of dentists for the safe and efficient practice of modern dental care. of dentistry received a bachelor's degree in science or equivalent, and all passed a rigorous examination.

(Health)