Thyroid biopsy/FNA: Caring for your child at home after the procedure

What is a thyroid biopsy/FNA?

A thyroid biopsy/fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a type of procedure where a small amount of fluid or cells are removed from the thyroid so they can be examined under a microscope. A biopsy/FNA can help your child’s doctor identify an abnormality in your child’s thyroid.

Discharge from the hospital

Most children who have a biopsy/FNA go home the same day. This is usually one to two hours after the biopsy/FNA.

Dressing care

Your child will have a dressing or bandage over the site of the biopsy/FNA. You can take the dressing off after 24 hours.

If the dressing gets wet or dirty, take it off and replace it with a clean adhesive bandage. Your child may also have a bruise at the biopsy/FNA site, which can take up to 10 days to go away.

Bathing

Your child may have a bath or shower one day after the biopsy/FNA.

Pain relief

Your child may have a sore throat or neck pain after the procedure. If needed, give your child throat lozenges or acetaminophen. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Do not give your child any medicines that thin the blood, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or ibuprofen. If you are unsure or regularly using one of these medications, check with your child’s health-care provider first.

Activity

After the biopsy/FNA, your child will need to be quiet and avoid physical activity for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, your child can resume regular activities.

Results

The doctor who ordered the procedure will receive the results of your child's biopsy/FNA. You will need to make an appointment with them to discuss the results.

When to see a doctor

Call your child's doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

• Fever greater than 38°C (100.4°F)
• Severe pain
• Bleeding or swelling around the biopsy site
• Dizziness and pale colour
• General weakness
• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness when speaking

At SickKids

If you have any concerns about your child after they are discharged home, call the Image Guided Therapy (IGT) clinic at (416) 813- 7654 ext. 201804. Speak to the IGT clinic nurse during working hours or leave a non-urgent message.

If you have concerns and it is after working hours, see your primary care provider or go to the nearest Emergency Department. You can also call the Hospital for Sick Children switchboard at (416) 813-7500 and ask them to page a member of your child’s health-care team or the interventional radiology fellow on call.