THYROID NODULE

Question 1

After a possible thyroid nodule is found on examination, ultrasounds and a TFT have been preformed, what is usually warranted for diagnosis?

Answer 1

Fine needle biopsy

Question 2

True or False

Most small thyroid nodules are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on physical or radiologic examination

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Although ___% of thyroid nodules are benign, the presence of a thyroid nodule warrants a referral to ____ by an IDC.

Answer 3

1. 90%

2. endocrinology

Question 4

What are some causes of solitary thyroid nodules?

Answer 4

1. benign adenoma
2. colloid nodule
3. cyst
4. primary thyroid malignancy or (less frequently) metastatic neoplasm

Question 5

Patients with a thyroid nodule have a higher risk of malignancy if what is present?

Answer 5

1. history of head-neck radiation in childhood
2. family history of thyroid cancer
3. personal history of another malignancy

Question 6

Toxic multinodar goiter and hyperfunctioning nodules can cause what?

Answer 6

Hyperthyroidism

Question 7

A patient with a thyroid nodule and the following may suggest what?

1. hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis
2. nodules in men or young women
3. nodule that is solitary, firm, large, or adherent to trachea or strap muscles
4. enlarged lymph nodes
5. distant metastatic lesions

Answer 7

Malignancy

Question 8

Patients with distant metastatic lesions may have a family history of goiter or a history of residence in an area of endemic goiter, and can present with such physical characteristics like what?

Answer 8

1. older women
2. soft nodule
3. multinodular goiter

Question 9

What kind of imaging is indicated for all palpable thyroid nodules?

Answer 9

Neck ultrasound

Question 10

What imaging is used to determine thyroid nodule size, consistency, and whether or not it is apart of a multinodular goiter?

Answer 10

Ultrasound

Question 11

True or False

Thyroid Nodules

Ultrasound is preferred over MRI and CT because of its accuracy

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Thyroid Nodules

Solid nodules are often ____
Cystic nodules are usually ___

Answer 12

1. malignant

2. benign

Question 13

What is the treatment for a thyroid nodule?

Answer 13

Refer to endocrinology for ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA)

Question 14

What is the disposition for a patient with a suspected thyroid nodule?

Answer 14

MEDEVAC if suspected or referral to endocrinology if nodule is suspected to be benign