Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery

Under the direction of Lisa A. Orloff, MD, FACS the Division of Endocrine Surgery provides comprehensive care for patients with thyroid and parathyroid diseases using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. In addition to her expertise in head and neck endocrine surgery, Dr. Orloff brings a new dimension to the clinical practice in the form of real-time, office-based ultrasonography. 

When most people think of ultrasound, they think of a procedure performed on a pregnant woman to check on the fetus in utero. However, ultrasound also can be used in many other organs, including the thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands as well as lymph nodes.

Not only is ultrasound a non-invasive and painless imaging modality that is dynamic, sensitive, interactive, and convenient for patients, it has also proven to be an extremely useful tool for operative planning and anatomic teaching.  State-of-the-art management of patients with thyroid cancer involves ultrasonographic surveillance for thyroid bed and lymph node metastases, which Dr. Orloff incorporates into her perioperative care.  What is more, ultrasound is invaluable in the staging and monitoring of primary tumors and lymph node metastases in patients with benign and malignant head and neck and salivary gland tumors. Dr. Orloff uses ultrasound to precisely guide fine needle aspiration biopsies, when necessary, with on-site cytopathologist review. Patients frequently undergo consultation, diagnostic ultrasound examination, and ultrasound-guided biopsy all in one visit, for maximum patient convenience and efficiency.

Faculty:

• Lisa A. Orloff, MD, FACS

For Appointments Please Call: (415) 885-7528

UCSF Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery
2380 Sutter Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115

Additional Information about Ultrasound of the Thyroid:

What is Ultrasound of the Thyroid?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

An ultrasound of the thyroid produces a picture of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck just below the Adam's apple and is shaped like a butterfly, with two lobes on either side of the neck connected by a narrow band of tissue. It is one of nine endocrine glands located throughout the body that make and send hormones into the bloodstream.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

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

• a lump in the thyroid.
• a thyroid that is not functioning properly.

Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it also can be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to extract sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing.

How should I prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. No other preparation is required.

What does the ultrasound equipment look like?

Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body and blood vessels. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. The transducer sends out high frequency sound waves into the body and then listens for the returning echoes from the tissues in the body. The principles are similar to sonar used by boats and submarines. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The image is created based on the amplitude (strength), frequency and time it takes for the sound signal to return from the patient to the transducer.

[excerpted fromhttp://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/pdf/us-thyroid.pdf]