Thyroid Nodules + Cancer Flashcards
where are thyroid nodules more common?
in iodine-deficient areas
what would we order if a patient presents with a thyroid nodule? (2)
TSH + T4
ultrasound
what are 5 concerning characteristics of a thyroid nodule on ultrasound? (BICHM1)
Blood supply
Irregular margins
Complex cyst
Heterogenous echogenity
Microcalcifications
>1cm
what is one nodule called vs multiple nodules present?
toxic adenoma
toxic multinodular goiter
a patient presents with multiple nodules that are enlarged, asymmetric and firm. what are they likely experiencing?
toxic multinodular goiter
what lab values will we expect to see in a patient with toxic multinodular goiter? (2)
T3/T4 - normal or elevated
TSH - low
what’s the difference in a RAIU scan of a toxic adenoma vs a toxic multinodular goiter?
TMG is asymmetric
what diagnostic should we get if we think a patient has a toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter?
FNA
what are 2 medications to help treat the symptoms of a toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter?
propranolol
methimazole
what is the treatment for a toxic adenoma or TMG?
radioactive iodine therapy
what is the treatment for a toxic adenoma or TMG, if we need to relieve pressure symptoms, for cosmetic indications, or for a patient with co-existing cancer?
thyroidectomy
what is the most common AND least aggressive thyroid malignancy?
papillary thyroid carcinoma
what is important to remember about papillary thyroid carcinoma in older patients?
can be more aggressive and spread to trachea, neck muscles, and lungs
what increases the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma?
exposure to neck radiation as a child
how does papillary thyroid carcinoma spread?
through lymphatics