Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Flashcards
What is a thyroid nodule?
1 - malignant mass that forms in the thyroid
2 - hyperplasia of thyroid cells
3 - hypertrophy of thyroid cells
2 - hyperplasia of thyroid cells
- not normally cancerous but can become malignant
What % of adults in the UK have thyroid nodules?
1 - 0.4 - 0.7%
2 - 4-7%
3 - 40-70%
2 - 4-7%
- highest incidence in men >60 y/o
4-7 % of adults in the UK have thyroid nodules. What % of these become malignant?
1 - 0.5 - 1.0%
2 - 5-10%
3 - 15-30%
4 - >75%
2 - 5-10%
Are women or men more likely to develop thyroid nodules?
- females
Although thyroid nodules are normally benign, there are occasions that are concerning. Which of the following is NOT a concern for a thyroid nodules?
1 - >65 y/o
2 - single nodule getting bigger
3 - family history of thyroid cancer
4 - previous radiation to neck
5 - stridor
6 - cervical lymphadenopathy
7 - unexplained hoarseness
8 - weight loss
8 - weight loss
If we are suspicious about a thyroid nodule, we need to do the CRP (triple assessment). Which one of this is not part of this?
1 - clinical examination/history
2 - class II thyroids exam
3 - radiology
4 - pathophysiology
2 - class II thyroids exam
When we measure bloods in a patient with a thyroid nodule, which of the following is the least important?
1 - thyroid stimulating hormone
2 - thyroxine (T4)
3 - triiodothyronine (T3)
4 - reverse T3
4 - reverse T3
In hyperthyroidism, what would we expect to see in TSH, T3 and T4?
- TSH is low or normal
- T3 and T4 are high
In hypothyroidism, what would we expect to see in TSH, T3 and T4?
- TSH is high
- T3 and T4 are low
If someone has a thyroid nodule, what is often the first line imaging that is used?
1 - ultrasound
2 - CT scan
3 - PET scan
4 - iodine 123 scan
1 - ultrasound
If someone has a thyroid nodule and they have hyperthyroidism, what scan do they need?
1 - ultrasound
2 - CT scan
3 - PET scan
4 - iodine 123 scan
4 - iodine 123 scan
- iodine would be found in high levels in the nodule
- this is called a hot nodule
If a patient has a nodule but is hypothyroidism, what can be done?
1 - surgery
2 - iodine therapy
3 - levothyroxine
4 - Carbimazole or Propylthiouracil
3 - levothyroxine
If a patient has a nodule but is euthyroid, we need to identify if a nodule is dominant or is just diffusely swollen. If it is a dominant nodule we would do 3 of the following, which one is incorrect?
1 - fine needle aspiration biopsy
2 - ultrasound
3 - iodine 123 scan
4 - FDG-PET
3 - iodine 123 scan
Which of the following is not a typical sign of hyperthyroidism?
1 - Nervousness
2 - Sweating
3 - Palpitations
4 - Fatigue
5 - Weight gain
6 - Diarrhoea
7 - Increased appetite
8 - Tachycardia
9 - Tremor
5 - Weight gain
- typically lose weight due to increased metabolism
Which of the following is not a typical sign of hypothyroidism?
1 - Weakness and lethargy
2 - Dry skin
3 - Slow speech
4 - Sensitivity to cold
5 - Constipation
6 - Weight loss
7 - Loss of appetite
8 - Memory impairment
6 - Weight loss
- normally weight gain due to lowered metabolism