Thyroid nodule Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of a thyroid nodule?
A
Small lump(s) in the thyroid
2
Q
How common are thyroid nodules?
A
One in 12-15 woman have a thyroid nodule
3
Q
What is the pathophysiology of thyroid nodules?
A
- Single/solitary: mostly benign. Hot = too much T3/T4 being produced
- Multiple/multinodular: rare to find cancer unless growing rapidly
- Colloid and hyperplastic nodules: benign lumps which are either solitary/multinodular
- Thyroid adenoma: benign
- Thyroid cyst: fluid containing swelling
- Thyroid cancer: rare
4
Q
What are the signs/symptoms of thyroid nodules?
A
- Asymptomatic
- Pain
- When swallowing does the lump move? – thyroid lumps and thyroglossal cysts move upwards on swallowing
- Protruding tongue – thyroglossal cyst moves up
- Difficulty swallowing – RED FLAG
- Hoarseness of voice - REDFLAG
- Enlarged lymph nodes - REDFLAG
5
Q
What investigations are carried our for thyroid nodules?
A
- TFTs
- Thyroid US +/- biopsy or fine needle aspiration
- X ray
- Nuclear medicine scan – to check if hot/cold
- Basal plasma calcitonin and cardinoembryonic antigen – if thyroid cancer is suspected
6
Q
What are the surgical treatments for thyroid nodules?
A
• Partial/full thyroidectomy
7
Q
What are the pharmacological treatments for thyroid nodules?
A
- Levothyroixine
- Radioactive iodine
- Iodine replacement
8
Q
What are the non pharmacological treatments for thyroid nodules?
A
• No symptoms/cancer = no treatment
9
Q
What are the risk factors/aetiology of thyroid nodules?
A
- Woman
- Cyst
- Adenoma
- Cancerous tumour: higher risk <20 and >70
- Smoking
- Exposure to radiation
