“Can a CT scan detect thyroid problems?”
I am a 42 year old female. I want to know if a CT scan can detect thyroid problems?
3 Answers
Best evaluated by ultrasound
CT scan can detect SIZE and some ANATOMIC abnormalities (like cysts or nodules), but it can NOT, again NOT, tell anything about THYROID FUNCTION. THYROID FUNCTION is determined by a BLOOD TEST. Whether or not CANCER exists is determined by a THYROID BIOPSY. Thus, CT scan is not a very good test of the thyroid gland for the majority of people. But, it may rarely be used by thyroid specialists if certain questions remain after more common tests are done.
The most common steps for diagnosing a thyroid problem are blood test (labs) and a thyroid ultrasound. CT scan is rarely indicated unless something specific is needed for further work up of a known problem.
