ABSTRACT
A single nodule on a thyroid is a swelling clearly distinct from the surrounding thyroid parenchyma caused by a hemorrhagic or colloid šuid collection (cyst) or an abnormal proliferation of cells (solid nodule). It can be visible and palpable on neck inspection, not visible but palpable, or not visible or palpable. This latter case is
6.1 Denition ...................................................................................................... 111 6.2 Prevalence ..................................................................................................... 112 6.3 Clinical and Pathological Classication of Thyroid Nodules ...................... 113
6.3.1 Pseudonodules .................................................................................. 113 6.3.2 Benign Nodules ................................................................................ 113 6.3.3 Malignant Nodules ........................................................................... 117
6.4 Diagnosis ...................................................................................................... 118 6.4.1 History and Physical Examination ................................................... 119 6.4.2 Biochemical Diagnosis ..................................................................... 119 6.4.3 Other Laboratory Tests ..................................................................... 120 6.4.4 Thyroid Ultrasonography.................................................................. 121 6.4.5 Thyroid Scintigraphy ........................................................................ 122 6.4.6 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAc) ........................................ 123 6.4.7 Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis during Pregnancy and Childhood ......... 125
6.5 Treatment ...................................................................................................... 125 6.5.1 Non diagnostic (THY1) ..................................................................... 125 6.5.2 Benign Nodule (THY2) .................................................................... 125 6.5.3 Follicular Neoplasm (THY3) ............................................................ 127 6.5.4 Suspicious for Malignancy (THY4) .................................................. 129 6.5.5 Malignant (THY5) ............................................................................ 129 6.5.6 Other Nodule Categories .................................................................. 129
6.5.6.1 Autonomous Nodules ......................................................... 129 6.5.6.2 Cystic Thyroid Nodules ..................................................... 129
6.6 Conclusions ................................................................................................... 130 References .............................................................................................................. 130
will be discussed in a separate chapter.
