Endocrinology

Thyroid nodules are a common problem. As many as one in 20 people have a lump that can be felt, and over half of normal people will have a very small lump detectable by ultrasound. Over 95% of all lumps large enough to be felt are benign. Decades ago, it was common practice to remove most lumps. Today, however, needle biopsies can determine which nodules require surgery, and which can be safely monitored.

Biopsies are performed in the office, usually at the time of the initial consultation. An extremely small needle is used and the procedure results in very little discomfort. No special preparation is necessary, and full activity is resumed after the biopsy. The needle is inserted for six to 10 seconds and repeated three to four times. Local anesthesia is rarely required, as it tends to sting more than the biopsy itself. As the needle is visualized on ultrasound throughout the procedure, complications are extremely rare. The most common complication is a small bruise on the neck. The specimen is sent to Outpatient Pathology Associates (OPA) in California, experts in thyroid cytopathology

ECNU is a professional certification in the field of neck ultrasonography for physicians who perform consultations and diagnostic evaluations for thyroid and parathyroid disorders through both diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. The certificate is awarded by the American College of Endocrinology and is approved by the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine. The ECNU credential signifies that an individual has passed the Comprehensive Certification Examination and has successfully completed the Validation of Competency Process.