Evaluation of the thyroid nodule.
The annual incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide is 1 case per 100 000 men and 2.6 cases per 100 000 women. Most thyroid nodules are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally on physical examination, self-palpation or incidentally on imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons. Although the majority of both palpable and non-palpable thyroid nodules are benign, approximately 5% may represent thyroid cancer. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy are key tests to guide management. Physicians caring for patients with thyroid nodules need to develop a rational, cost-effective approach to ordering and interpreting imaging and diagnostic tests in the evaluation of the thyroid nodule.
Department of Internal Medicine, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, Philadelphia, USA. dimpleghassi2@yahoo.com
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D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012997:Solvents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012997:Solvents; D000431:Ethanol; D013974:Thyroxine