Evaluation and management of incidentally discovered thyroid nodules.
Thyroid nodules are present in 4-10% of the adult population. However, less than 1% of all cancers occur in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are usually an incidental finding in a routine clinical or an ultrasound examination of the neck performed for some other reason. Differentiating a benign nodule, which may require no specific treatment, from a malignant nodule presents a diagnostic dilemma. An individualized approach to a patient with history, risk factors and fine needle cytology is warranted. Molecular markers and immunohistochemical studies done on thyroid nodule cytology may help in differentiating benign from malignant. This article presents a review of the literature for the diagnosis and management of the thyroid nodule.
Datta
Rajiv V
RV
Division of Surgical Oncology and Head & Neck Surgery, South Nassau Cancer Center, 1 S. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11791, USA. rdatta@snch.org
Petrelli
Nicholas J
NJ
Ramzy
Joseph
J
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007455:Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000494:pharmacology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007455:Iodine; D013974:Thyroxine