Thyroid scan

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Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

Scan - thyroid; Radioactive iodine screening test - thyroid; RAUI; Nuclear scan - thyroid

The thyroid appears the correct size, shape, and in the proper location. It appears an even gray color on the computer image.

A thyroid that is enlarged or pushed off to one side could indicate a tumor. Nodules will absorb more or less iodine and will appear darker or lighter on the scan (usually lighter if tumor). If part of the thyroid appears lighter, it may indicate a possible thyroid problem.

The computer will also show the percentage of iodine that has collected in your thyroid gland. If your gland collects too much or too little of the radiotracer, this can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

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Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
• Colloid nodular goiter
• Goiter
• Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
• Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
• Toxic nodular goiter

Review Date: 05/13/2010
Reviewed By: Benjamin Taragin, MD, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).