Thyroid Nodule

Question 1

what is a thyroid nodule?

Answer 1

a firm lump underneath the skin, usually greater than 1cm

Question 2

what is the aetiology of a thyroid nodule?

Answer 2

• benign (e.g. hyperplastic colloid goitre, cyst, thyroiditis, adenoma)
• malignant (e.g. carcinoma)

Question 3

what are the symptoms of a thyroid nodule?

Answer 3

• asymptomatic
• pain
• compression (e.g. difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness)
• ? hyperthyroidism (e.g. hyperfunctioning adenoma)

Question 4

what are the signs on examination of a malignant thyroid nodule (e.g. carcinoma)?

Answer 4

• stony, hard consistency
• fixation to surrounding structures
• cervical lymphadenopathy
• hoarseness

Question 5

what are the investigations for a thyroid nodule?

Answer 5

• TSH
• radioactive iodine
• US
• fine-needle aspiration (FNA)

Question 6

what are the options for management of a thyroid nodule?

Answer 6

• levothyroxine
• radiofrequency ablation
• partial/total thyroidectomy
• radioactive iodine