title: Characteristics of thyroid nodules causing globus symptoms.
abstract: A globus sensation is one of the most common complaints in otolaryngologic clinics, and laryngopharyngeal reflux is the most common cause. However, thyroid nodules also can cause globus symptoms. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of thyroid nodules that cause globus. We selected patients prospectively with a single thyroid nodule on ultrasonograms. Patients with other causes of globus symptoms were excluded using questionnaires, fiber optic laryngoscopic examinations, and a psychiatric screening tool. In total, 175 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to globus symptoms. Ultrasonographic characteristics and clinicopathological parameters were compared between the groups. Among various clinicopathologic and ultrasonographic parameters, size and horizontal location of the thyroid nodule showed significant differences between the groups. Nodules larger than 3 cm and those located anterior to the trachea had a tendency to cause globus symptoms. Regarding horizontal location, nodules that all parts were located anterior to the trachea showed a higher tendency to cause globus symptoms than nodules that only some parts were located anterior to the trachea. In conclusion, thyroid nodules with specific size and location can cause globus symptoms, and this finding can be indicated in patient counseling. Also, conservative treatments or thyroidectomy may be helpful in relieving patients' globus symptoms.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary`s Hospital, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, Republic of Korea.
authors: Inn-Chul
authors: IC
authors: Nam
authors: Hoon
authors: H
authors: Choi
authors: Eun-Sook
authors: ES
authors: Kim
authors: Eun-Young
authors: EY
authors: Mo
authors: Young-Hak
authors: YH
authors: Park
authors: Dong-Il
authors: DI
authors: Sun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057045:Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography
references: Am J Gastroenterol. 1994 Apr;89(4):503-8
references: 8147350
references: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2003 May;260(5):273-6
references: 12750918
references: Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 1999 Mar-Apr;21(2):106-11
references: 10228890
references: Laryngoscope. 1997 Oct;107(10):1373-7
references: 9331316
references: Am J Surg. 1981 Sep;142(3):350-4
references: 7283026
references: Eur J Pain. 2009 Sep;13(8):865-9
references: 19010075
references: J Voice. 2002 Jun;16(2):274-7
references: 12150380
references: Am Surg. 1994 Aug;60(8):586-91
references: 8030813
references: Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Sep;18(9):969-75
references: 16894310
references: Thyroid. 2009 Nov;19(11):1167-214
references: 19860577
references: Laryngoscope. 2012 Jan;122(1):13-6
references: 22147633
references: Laryngoscope. 2001 Aug;111(8):1313-7
references: 11568561
references: J Laryngol Otol. 2007 Mar;121(3):242-5
references: 16882360
references: Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jun;27(12):1275-81
references: 18315581
references: Acta Otolaryngol. 2006 Sep;126(9):958-61
references: 16864494
references: Psychosom Med. 1997 Jan-Feb;59(1):67-9
references: 9021868
references: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2009 Apr;118(4):247-52
references: 19462843
references: J Laryngol Otol. 1974 Oct;88(10):1025-31
references: 4470575
references: Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 1994 Feb;19(1):55-60
references: 8174303
references: J Laryngol Otol. 2004 Jul;118(7):522-7
references: 15318958
references: Am J Otolaryngol. 2001 Jul-Aug;22(4):251-6
references: 11464321
references: J Voice. 1999 Sep;13(3):447-55
references: 10498060
references: Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 1996 Jun;21(3):228-31
references: 8818493
references: Surgery. 2007 Dec;142(6):837-44; discussion 844.e1-3
references: 18063065
references: Psychopathology. 1998;31(3):160-8
references: 9636945
references: Laryngoscope. 1995 Oct;105(10):1118-21
references: 7564845