Thyroid Biopsy: Results


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Results


A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the thyroid gland and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other thyroid problems. Results from a thyroid biopsy are usually available in a few days.

Thyroid biopsy
Normal:

The biopsy shows normal thyroid tissue.

Abnormal:

The biopsy sample shows thyroid disease (such as inflammation of the thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, or a noncancerous (benign) tumor.

A thyroid cyst is found at the time of a biopsy. Most cysts of the thyroid gland are not cancerous.



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Last updated: August 14, 2008
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors: Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer

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