What are the best imaging options for a thyroid swelling?
The best initial imaging option is ultrasound to detect important thyroid and local pathology; fine needle aspiration can be carried out at the same time. If there is a nodule in conjunction with thyrotoxicosis (low or undetectable TSH), then an uptake scan may reveal a hot nodule that can be effectively treated with radioiodine. Only 5% of thyroid nodules are hot.
