Dr Chin Checks Out Biopsy for Thyroid Cancer: Your Essential Guide
Discover how a biopsy for thyroid cancer provides crucial information for diagnosis and treatment. Learn about the process and its importance on our blog.
Thyroid nodules can indicate thyroid cancer or other thyroid malignancies. A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA biopsy) is a minimally invasive procedure used by ENT specialists to identify thyroid cancer cells, assess the size of the nodule, and determine if surgical removal is necessary. The American Thyroid Association states this method is vital in diagnosing thyroid cancer and may prevent unnecessary surgery. If inconclusive results are obtained, a core needle biopsy or repeat FNA may be necessary. Biopsy outcomes also inform the appropriateness of thyroid hormone therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, or other thyroid cancer treatment options. Patients may experience minor side effects at the biopsy site, especially if on blood thinners. Despite the small size of the tissue sample, biopsy results provide critical insight, especially when evaluating symptoms in the lower neck, lymph nodes, or the back of the thyroid.
Why Thyroid Biopsies Matter in ENT Care
When a patient presents with a thyroid nodule or neck swelling, ENT specialists play a vital role in determining whether the mass is benign or malignant. A thyroid biopsy, often the first diagnostic step, provides essential insight into cellular changes and helps guide treatment decisions.
What Happens During a Thyroid Biopsy?
A thyroid biopsy is a key step in evaluating suspicious nodules in the thyroid gland, especially when cancer is a concern. ENT specialists typically perform this procedure to gather a small but vital tissue sample that can reveal the nature of the growth. Here’s what patients can expect during the process.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
The most common technique used is fine needle aspiration. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the thyroid nodule to extract a small sample of tissue or fluid. ENT providers often perform this under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.
What the Sample Reveals
Once collected, the tissue is sent to a cytopathologist who examines the cells for signs of cancer. The pathologist assesses cellular structure, growth patterns, and nuclear features to identify malignancies such as papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular neoplasm, or medullary thyroid cancer.
Signs That May Lead to a Biopsy Referral
ENT providers may recommend a thyroid biopsy if patients present with:
- Neck fullness or a visible mass in the anterior neck region.
- Voice changes or hoarseness due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) linked to a growing thyroid nodule.
- Persistent sore throat or neck pain without clear infection.
- Abnormal ultrasound findings, such as microcalcifications or irregular margins.
Accuracy and Limitations
While FNA offers high diagnostic accuracy, it’s not infallible. Some samples return as “indeterminate,” requiring repeat biopsy or molecular testing. For inconclusive results, ENT surgeons may consider diagnostic lobectomy for further histopathological evaluation.
The Role of the ENT in Multidisciplinary Care
Thyroid cancer diagnosis isn’t made in isolation. ENT specialists collaborate closely with endocrinologists, radiologists, and oncologists to determine the most appropriate course—whether it’s watchful waiting, surgery, or additional imaging.
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
