Thyroid Nodule Flashcards
when are thyroid nodules commonly found?
during thyroid examinations
what is indicated if you palpate a thyroid nodule?
ultrasound and thyroid function test mandatory.
may require biopsy based on ultrasound characteristics
what are some causes of solitary thyroid nodule?
benign adenoma
colloid nodule
cyst
malignancy or metastatic neoplasm
what could make someone a higher risk of malignancy with thyroid nodules?
HX of head-neck radiation in childhood.
HX of family thyroid cancer
Personal HX of another malignancy
what type of nodules can cause hyperthyroidism
toxic multinodular goiters or hyperfunctioning nodules
what would suggest malignancy with thyroid nodules?
hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis
nodules that are firm, large, or adhere to trachea or strap muscles.
enlarged lymph nodes
distant metastatic lesions
labs/imaging for thyroid nodules
TSH and free T4 to exclude hypo- hyper- thyroid.
ultrasound is preferred.
