Thyroid nodules

Question 1

Define thyroid nodules

Answer 1

Abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump in the thyroid gland

Question 2

Aetiology of thyroid nodules

3

Answer 2

Most are BENIGN, but small proportion turn into thyroid cancer
Most are adenomatous & multiple
Usually non-functioning

Question 3

Epidemiology of thyroid nodules

prevalence, gener, severity

Answer 3

40% general population have a single nodule or multiple
More common in WOMEN
Very small proportion are malignant

Question 4

Presenting symptoms of thyroid nodules

general +3

Answer 4

Most are ASYMPTOMATIC
Usually found on self examination or clinical exam
Single isolated nodule is more likely to be malignant
Can sometimes cause pain & rarely compress trachea or cause dysphagia

Question 5

Signs of thyroid nodules on physical examination

2

Answer 5

Ask patient to drink water to see if nodule moves when swallowing
Check for regional lymphadenopathy (malignancy)

Question 6

Investigations for thyroid nodules

5

Answer 6

TFTs - most patients will be euthyroid
US - for diagnosing character of nodules
FNA - cytological analysis
Radionuclide isotope scanning - checks iodine uptake
CT/MRI - detects spread of cancer