Thyroid anatomy and ultrasound evaluation.

A good understanding of the anatomic structures of the neck surrounding the thyroid gland is a requisite for safely performing image guided procedures on the thyroid gland. Patients presenting for treatment of thyroid nodules can have anatomy that is distorted by the nodules or by prior surgery. This pictorial review describes the anatomy of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. Additionally, a review of how to perform an ultrasound exam of the thyroid gland and how to categorize thyroid nodules is included.