role of ultrasound and computerized tomography in the diagnosis of thyroid swellings

This work aimed to assess the value of ultrasonography and computerized tomography as guidance to the management of different thyroid disease. In this study, 36 cases of suspected thyroid swellings were evaluated by ultrasound [US] and computed tomograph [CT] and the value of these techniques was discussed. Ultrasonography is generally a safe method of examination which permits an excellent visualization of the thyroid parenchyma and anatomy. It is widely used for evaluation of thyroid nodules and detection of small nodules. It also can define the exact number and the nature of focal lesions whether solid or cystic. Computed tomography offers excellent resolution of the thyroid relative to other soft tissue structures in the lower neck. It can demonstrate the entire neck and chest and readily show retrosternal extension of a goiter, airway compression and displacement of the trachea. Lymph node enlargement and infiltration of the surrounding structures in cases of malignant tumors can be also detected