Expert Nuclear Medicine Evaluation by Dr. Prathap H J
Thyroid Scan in Bangalore
A thyroid scan is a safe and precise nuclear medicine test that shows how your thyroid gland looks and functions. It uses a small amount of Technetium-99m or Iodine-131 to evaluate thyroid activity, detect nodules, and assess thyroid disorders.
About Thyroid Scan
A thyroid scan helps find out:
- If your thyroid is overactive or underactive (hot or cold spots)
- If there are nodules or swelling (goiter)
- If thyroid tissue is located in the wrong place (ectopic thyroid)
- If there are signs of thyroid cancer
It’s a quick, non-invasive test that gives a lot of useful information about your thyroid health.
When Is a Thyroid Scan Needed
Check Thyroid Function
Helps determine if the thyroid is overactive or underactive, indicating functional imbalance.
Detect Nodules or Goiter
Identifies thyroid nodules or gland enlargement, aiding early diagnosis of structural issues.
Assess Thyroid Cancer
Evaluates suspected thyroid cancer and checks if it has spread or reappeared after treatment.
After Treatment
Detects remaining thyroid tissue following surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Before Surgery
Assesses thyroid function clearly to assist doctors in planning safe and effective surgery.
How Does a Thyroid Scan Work
A small dose of a safe radioactive tracer is given orally or by injection.
Images are captured using a gamma camera.
Tc-99m: After 20 min
Iodine-131: After 24 hours
Doctors review the images to identify overactive/underactive areas, nodules, or inflammation.
A detailed report guides diagnosis and treatment planning.
How to Prepare for a Thyroid Scan
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Notify about recent scans involving iodine
You may need to stop medicines like Methimazole, Neomercazole, PTU, or iodine supplements before the scan.
Seafood, seaweed, kelp
Iodized salt
Multivitamins with iodine
Cough syrups, herbal products
- A thyroid function test (T3, T4, TSH) may be required
- Fasting may be needed for a few hours
- Remove metal items before imaging
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