Nuclear Medicine Exams

Metastatic Thyroid Scan

What is a Metastatic Thyroid Scan?

A Metastatic Thyroid Scan is used to see if a patient has had prior thyroid cancer or hyperthyroid, or to check if a thyroidectomy has left any residual thyroid tissue or tumor.

What does a Metastatic Thyroid Scan Entail?

On the first day, you will be asked to swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine in a capsule.  This visit should take about 15 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to return 2 - 3 days later for a whole body scan.  This takes approximately 90 minutes.   You may have to come back the following day due to bowel activity obstructing the view. This scan should only take about 45 minutes. 

Is Any Special Preparation Required Before Having a Metastatic Thyroid Scan?

Consult your doctor.  You will need to be off all thyroid medicines for varying lengths of time and have received no X-ray contrast ("dye") within the last 30 days.

How Safe Is This Procedure?

Some radiation precautions will need to be enforced to reduce others' exposure to radiation,  such as sleeping alone for 4 - 5 days, and no contact with small children for 4 - 5 days.

If you are or suspect you might be pregnant, please tell your doctor, nurse or technician.

Breast Lymphoscintigraphy | Gated Ventriculogram
Hepatobiliary Scan | Metastatic Thyroid Scan
Thyroid Uptake and Scan | Bone Scans
Gallium Scan | Lymph Node Scan | Prostascint Scan

If You Want More Information.

Please feel free to call one of the radiology nurses at 968-1722.