Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed images of cross-sections (or “slices”) of body tissues, bones, fats and organs from different angles. In standard X-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. While healthcare providers can get much information from a standard X-ray, it does not give a lot of detail about internal organs and other structures.

An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a nodule or abnormality within the thyroid and remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. The procedure is less invasive than surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.