Thyroid Ultrasound

An ultrasound of the thyroid visualizes the thyroid gland, which is located in front of the neck below the Adam's apple and is shaped like a butterfly. There are a total of nine endocrine glands located throughout the body and they make and send hormones throughout the bloodstream. The thyroid has two lobes on either side of the neck connected by a narrow band of tissue.

An ultrasound of the thyroid is generally used to help diagnose:

• a mass in the thyroid
• a poorly functioning thyroid