Thyroid biopsy in El Paso
Desert Imaging does ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsies by fine needle aspiration at two El Paso centers, West and East. A radiologist guides a thin needle into the nodule on ultrasound, and pathology results usually reach your doctor in 24 to 48 hours.
What it is
Fine needle aspiration, FNA, is a biopsy done with a very thin needle and a syringe. A radiologist watches the needle on ultrasound and guides it into the nodule or cyst, then draws out cells or fluid. The sample goes to pathology, where it is examined under a microscope.
We do fine needle aspiration on thyroid nodules, and on breast cysts and enlarged lymph nodes when the radiologist recommends it. For a solid breast mass, an ultrasound-guided core biopsy takes a small piece of tissue instead.
Without a biopsy, it is hard for your doctor to say what a nodule contains and whether it matters to your health. A thyroid ultrasound on its own does not answer that question.
Good to know
A biopsy needs a doctor's order and usually follows an ultrasound or mammogram that found something to sample.
Where to get it
Choose a center to see this exam there, with the address, hours and directions.
What to expect
Do not use powder or lotion on the area that day. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or Tylenol beforehand. Tell us about any blood thinners when you book.
The radiologist first scans the area with ultrasound to find the nodule. The skin is cleaned with an iodine solution and numbed with a local anesthetic. The needle goes in while the radiologist watches it on the screen, and the sample is drawn out. The technologist and radiologist explain each step as they go.
The sample goes to pathology and the result is usually ready in 24 to 48 hours. It goes to the doctor who ordered the biopsy. Our staff calls you afterward to check that you are feeling well.
How long it takes: Results in 24 to 48 hours.
Exams we perform
From our physician order form. Your doctor names the exact study on the order.
- Thyroid fine needle aspiration
- Breast cyst aspiration
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- Lymph node aspiration
How to prepare
From our preparation sheet. Your appointment confirmation carries the instructions for your exact study.
- Do not use powder or lotion on the area to be biopsied.
- The sheet says: your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and Tylenol before your biopsy.
- Our staff will contact you after the procedure to make sure you are feeling well.
Common questions
The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic first. You feel a small sting from the anesthetic, then pressure while the sample is taken.
Pathology results are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours and go to the doctor who ordered the biopsy. Your doctor goes over them with you.
Very little. No powder or lotion on the area. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or Tylenol before the procedure. Tell us about blood thinners when you book.
It goes to a pathology lab, where it is examined under a microscope to see what kind of cells it holds. The report goes to your doctor.
Ready to book your Thyroid biopsy?
Request an appointment online and bring your doctor's order. We take it from there.
# Thyroid biopsy in El Paso Desert Imaging does ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsies by fine needle aspiration at two El Paso centers, West and East. A radiologist guides a thin needle into the nodule on ultrasound, and pathology results usually reach your doctor in 24 to 48 hours. ## What it is Fine needle aspiration, FNA, is a biopsy done with a very thin needle and a syringe. A radiologist watches the needle on ultrasound and guides it into the nodule or cyst, then draws out cells or fluid. The sample goes to pathology, where it is examined under a microscope. We do fine needle aspiration on thyroid nodules, and on breast cysts and enlarged lymph nodes when the radiologist recommends it. For a solid breast mass, an ultrasound-guided core biopsy takes a small piece of tissue instead. Without a biopsy, it is hard for your doctor to say what a nodule contains and whether it matters to your health. A thyroid ultrasound on its own does not answer that question. **Good to know:** A biopsy needs a doctor's order and usually follows an ultrasound or mammogram that found something to sample. ## Where to get it - [West](https://desertimagingcenters.com/locations/west/thyroid-biopsy): 122 W. Castellano Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Closed Sunday. - [East](https://desertimagingcenters.com/locations/lee-trevino/thyroid-biopsy): 1727 Lee Trevino Dr., El Paso, TX 79935. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Closed Sunday. ## What to expect Do not use powder or lotion on the area that day. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or Tylenol beforehand. Tell us about any blood thinners when you book. The radiologist first scans the area with ultrasound to find the nodule. The skin is cleaned with an iodine solution and numbed with a local anesthetic. The needle goes in while the radiologist watches it on the screen, and the sample is drawn out. The technologist and radiologist explain each step as they go. The sample goes to pathology and the result is usually ready in 24 to 48 hours. It goes to the doctor who ordered the biopsy. Our staff calls you afterward to check that you are feeling well. **How long it takes:** Results in 24 to 48 hours. ## Exams we perform From our physician order form. Your doctor names the exact study on the order. - Thyroid fine needle aspiration - Breast cyst aspiration - Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy - Lymph node aspiration ## How to prepare From our preparation sheet. Your appointment confirmation carries the instructions for your exact study. - Do not use powder or lotion on the area to be biopsied. - The sheet says: your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and Tylenol before your biopsy. - Our staff will contact you after the procedure to make sure you are feeling well. ## Common questions ### Does it hurt? The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic first. You feel a small sting from the anesthetic, then pressure while the sample is taken. ### How long until I know? Pathology results are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours and go to the doctor who ordered the biopsy. Your doctor goes over them with you. ### Do I need to prepare? Very little. No powder or lotion on the area. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or Tylenol before the procedure. Tell us about blood thinners when you book. ### What happens to the sample? It goes to a pathology lab, where it is examined under a microscope to see what kind of cells it holds. The report goes to your doctor. ## Ready to book? Request an appointment online and bring your doctor's order. We take it from there. - [Request an appointment](https://eforms.abbadox.com/240384671438865) - Call (915) 577-0100