Thyroid nodules

Question 2

What are thyroid nodules?

Answer 2

Thyroid nodules may be noted by the patient, during a clinical examination or as a finding following imaging.

Question 3

What is the primary aim of investigating thyroid nodules?

Answer 3

The primary aim is to exclude thyroid cancer, which accounts for around 5% of all nodules depending on the patient demographic.

Question 4

What are some benign causes of thyroid nodules?

Answer 4

Benign causes include multinodular goitre, thyroid adenoma, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and cysts (colloid, simple, or hemorrhagic).

Question 5

What are some malignant causes of thyroid nodules?

Answer 5

Malignant causes include papillary carcinoma (most common), follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, and lymphoma.

Question 6

What should be checked in all patients with thyroid nodules?

Answer 6

Thyroid function should be checked in all patients.

Question 7

What is the first-line imaging of choice for investigating thyroid nodules?

Answer 7

Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging of choice, which may help determine if the nodule has features suspicious of malignancy.

Question 8

causes of thyroid nodules

Answer 8