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.
Ghassi
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Department of Internal Medicine, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, Philadelphia, USA. dimpleghassi2@yahoo.com
Donato
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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