Thyroid nodules Flashcards

1
Q

define thyroid nodules?

A

abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms lump in thyroid gland

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2
Q

outline the aetiology/ risk

A
  • most are BENIGN, but a small proportion turn into thyroid cancer
  • Most thyroid nodules are adenomatous and most are multiple
  • The nodules are usually non-functioning
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3
Q

summarise the epidemiology of thyroid nodules?

A
  • 40% of the general population have a single nodule or multiple nodules
  • More common in WOMEN

Very small proportion of thyroid nodules will be malignant

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4
Q

what are the presenting symptoms of thyroid nodules?

A
  • Most are ASYMPTOMATIC
  • Usually found on self-examination or clinical examination

• A single isolated nodule is more likely to be malignant
They can sometimes cause pain and will rarely compress the trachea or cause dysphagia

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5
Q

what are the signs of thyroid nodules on physical examination?

A
  • Ask the patient to drink some water and see if the nodule moves when swallowing
  • Check for regional lymphadenopathy (consider malignancy)
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6
Q

what are the appropriate investigations for thyroid nodules?

A
  • TFTs - most patients will be euthyroid (normal functioning thyroid)
  • Ultrasound - useful for determining the character of the thyroid nodules
  • FNA - allows cytological analysis

• Radionuclide Isotope Scanning - checks iodine uptake
CT/MRI - detect spread of thyroid cancer

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7
Q

what is a mulitnodular goitre?

A

middle aged women, dysphagia, bumpy swelling, usually euthyroid but some cases a nodule can become autonomous and become a thyroxine-secreting adenoma (hyperthyroidism features)

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