What is the definition or description of: thyroid nuclear scan?

Thyroid scan: This scan involves taking orally a small dose of radioactive iodine. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid and produces an image. "cold" areas are places with no iodine uptake. "hot" areas have a lot of uptake. The radiologist also calculates the percent uptake of the iodine. This test is important in the diagnosis of hyperthyoidism, thyroid cancer, and follow up of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid imaging: A thyroid nuclear scan is an imaging study of the thyroid gland using radioiosotopes such as iodine 131, iodine 123, or 99mtc-pertechnetate. Following administration of one of these radioisotopes, a scan of the neck is performed to detect nodules or to evaluate the metabolic status of the thyroid, for example.

Thyroid function: The patient ingests radioactive iodine or has intravenous injection of radiotracer technetium to define structure, size, and function of thyroid gland. Overactive ( hyperthyroid) normal, and underactive thyroid glands are determined. Sometimes autoimmune conditions and tumors of the gland can be suspected. Correlative imaging ultrasound, mr imaging, and blood tests are used for confirmation.