It is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure in which the ultrasound waves are used to visualize the thyroid gland for anatomical assessment of it’s dimensions, structure, nodule presence, assessment of the nodules structures especially establishing the need for further investigation particularly the need for thyroid biopsy .

For complete assessment of the thyroid gland it is necessary to assess its functionality by establishing the thyroid hormones levels, thyroid stimulating hormone and auto-antibodies for thyroid.