Abstract
Thyroid nodules are a major health problem worldwide. The prevalence of palpable thyroid nodules in the general population is approximately 5% in women and 1% in men living in parts of the world with sufficient iodine. High resolution neck and thyroid ultrasound can detect thyroid nodules in a significant proportion of randomly selected individuals, with higher frequencies in women and the elderly population. The importance of thyroid nodules lies in the need to rule out cancer. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign, clinically irrelevant, and can be safely managed with a good surveillance program. The detection and diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer have evolved over the years with increased use of high resolution cervical and thyroid ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), molecular testing, and thyroglobulin as a serum tumor marker. An algorithm that utilizes high resolution ultrasound and, when indicated, FNAB, and molecular testing for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, facilitates a personalized, risk-based protocol that promotes high-quality care and minimizes cost and unnecessary testing. Our paper reviews the current, evidence-based management of newly diagnosed thyroid nodules.
Highlights
Thyroid nodules are a major health problem worldwide
The detection and diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer have evolved over the years with increased use of high resolution cervical and thyroid ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), molecular testing, and thyroglobulin as a serum tumor marker
When FNA is performed in a thyroid nodule and the initial cytology result is non-diagnostic, FNAB should be repeated with the support of ultrasound guidance, and if available, cytological assessment should be performed at the time of FNAB [9] [41]
Summary
Thyroid nodules are a major health problem worldwide. The prevalence of palpable thyroid nodules in the general population is approximately 5% in women and 1% in men living in parts of the world with sufficient iodine [1]. High resolution neck and thyroid ultrasound can detect thyroid nodules. The clinical importance of thyroid nodules lies in the need to rule out thyroid cancer, which occurs anywhere between 7% and 15% of cases, varying according to gender, age, history of exposure to radiation, family history, among other factors [4] [5]. The detection and diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer have evolved over the years with increased use of high resolution cervical and thyroid ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), molecular testing, and thyroglobulin as a serum tumor marker.
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