A thyroid scan is a specialized imaging procedure for examining the thyroid gland.
The scan works with a. small amount of radioactive material to diagnose disease.
Radioactive iodine is typically used in thyroid tests, including a thyroid scan.
The thyroid and most types of thyroid cancer absorb iodine naturally.
The radioactive iodine builds up in the thyroid tissue.
A gamma camera or scanner detects the radioactive emissions.
A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test with the scan to measure your thyroid’s reaction.
A radioactive material is given to you before the test through an injection, a liquid, or a tablet.
The tracer releases gamma rays and a gamma camera or scanner can detect this type of energy.
The camera works with a computer to create images that detail the thyroid’s structure and function based on how it interacts with the tracer.
A thyroid scan can be used to evaluate abnormalities found in a physical exam or laboratory test.
The images from thyroid scans can be used to diagnose:
lumps, cysts, or other growths
inflammation or swelling
an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism
an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism
goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid
thyroid cancer
An RAIU is performed 6 to 24 hours after taking the radionuclide.
Thyroid scans can help determine if the thyroid is working properly,and a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test with the scan can measure the thyroid’s reaction.
A thyroid scan can be used to evaluate abnormalities found in a physical exam or laboratory test.
A radioactive uptake evaluates the function of the thyroid gland.
A metastatic survey is a type of thyroid scan, usually reserved for people with thyroid cancer.
It can determine whether thyroid cancer has spread by detecting where the iodine is absorbed.
A RAIU is performed 6 to 24 hours after taking the radionuclide.
There are no known long-term complications of having a nuclear medicine procedure.
Abnormal results of a thyroid scan may also indicate:
colloid nodular goiter
Graves’ disease
Painless thyroiditis
Toxic nodular goiter,
Metastatic survey results