EXAM #1: THYROID CANCER Flashcards
What is the difference between a tyroglossal duct cyst and a cervical cyst?
Midline= thyroglossal duct cyst Lateral= cervical cyst
Where does the superior thyroid artery come from?
External carotid artery
Where does the inferior thyroid artery come from?
Thyrocervical trunk
What is a potential complication of a tracheostomy that results in excessive bleeding?
Transsection of a “Thyroid ima artery” that runs along the anterior trachea
Where does the Inferior thyroid vein drain?
Brachiaocephalic
Where do the superior and middle thyroid veins drain?
Internal jugular vein
What nerve do you need to be especially conscious of when performing a thyroidectomy?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve of the vagus
*Most common is Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve–not a big deal. Most dreaded is injury to the recurrent laryngeal bilaterally.
What does the recurrent laryngeal nerve innervate?
All intrinsic muscles of the larynx EXCEPT the cricothyroid muscle
Where does the recurrent laryngeal nerve lie?
tracheoesophageal groove
What is the differential diagnosis for a thyroid nodule?
1) Cyst
2) Thyroid adenoma
3) Infection/ thyroiditis
4) Developmental abnormality
5) Carcinoma
6) Thyroid lymphoma
*Note that most are NOT malignant
What is an important historical feature to ask patients about when taking a thyroid related history?
Radiation exposure
What is the most reliable and cost effective method for diagnosing thyroid nodules? When is this absolutely indicated?
FNA
*Note that this is indicated for any nodule greater than 1 cm; less than 1 cm is less clear
What information can you discern from a thyroid US?
1) Solid vs. cystic
2) Homogenous vs. heterogenous
If a radionuclear scan of the thyroid is performed, which is more likely to be malignant–hot or cold nodule?
Cold nodule
What are the differentiated thyroid cancers? How are these followed and treated?
1) Papillary
2) Follicular
3) Hurthle Cell
*Followed with thyroglobulin and treated with radioactive iodine