Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.
Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue and fluid from a nodule (lump) in your thyroid gland. This test helps your healthcare provider diagnose thyroid cancer or find thyroid nodules that are not cancer. Your healthcare provider uses the results to decide if you need more treatment.
![]() |
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have sudden trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
- You have sudden, severe arm pain with weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or fingers.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have more pain, swelling, and bruising in your neck.
- You have a fast heart rate.
- You feel pain when you speak or swallow.
- You have sudden swelling at the biopsy site. If this happens, apply pressure and seek care immediately.
- You have a pulsing lump in your neck.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
ThyroShield
ThyroShield is used for cough, cutaneous sporotrichosis, hyperthyroidism, radiation emergency
Hicon
Hicon is used for diagnosis and investigation, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer
Sodium iodide-i-131
Sodium iodide-i-131 systemic is used for diagnosis and investigation, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer
Iodine/potassium iodide
Iodine/potassium iodide systemic is used for hyperthyroidism
Potassium iodide
Potassium iodide systemic is used for cough, cutaneous sporotrichosis, hyperthyroidism, radiation ...
Propylthiouracil
Propylthiouracil systemic is used for alcoholic liver damage, hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm
Call your doctor or endocrinologist if:
- You have discomfort or pain at the site of the biopsy.
- You have a bruise or a purple, swollen lump at the site of the biopsy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Self-care:
- Place a cold compress or ice bag on your neck to ease swelling and discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider how long and how often to do this. Any swelling and bruising should go away after several days.
- Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities.
Follow up with your doctor or endocrinologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.