Thyroid elastography is a modern, non-invasive ultrasound technique used to assess the stiffness (elasticity) of the thyroid gland tissue, particularly in thyroid nodules.
The method is based on the principle that benign lesions are usually softer, whereas malignant ones tend to be harder. Elastography provides a stiffness map (elastogram) of the gland, offering either quantitative or qualitative evaluation of tissue elasticity. It can be performed during a standard thyroid ultrasound, involves no radiation, and provides valuable information regarding the need for biopsy or not.
Uses of Thyroid Elastography:
- Differential diagnosis between benign and suspicious thyroid nodules
- Complementary assessment to conventional ultrasound
- Avoidance of unnecessary fine needle aspiration (FNA) in low-risk lesions
- Monitoring the progression of known thyroid nodules
Procedure
The doctor places the ultrasound probe on the neck over the thyroid gland. A special technique using pressure or vibration (depending on the elastography type: strain or shear wave) is applied to evaluate the tissue’s response. The procedure lasts only a few minutes and is completely painless.