The Thyroid Nodule
A short summary on the common thyroid nodule risk factors and diagnostic evaluation.
Otolaryngology Term
In Short

By Michael Bergstein, MD
Definition of Thyroid Nodule
Thyroid nodules are soft tissues lesions found within the thyroid gland. They are quite common, and can be found in both adult and pediatric patients.
Approximately 95% of thyroid nodules are benign. The risk of malignant disease increases in young populations (< 20) and older populations (women > 40 and men > 50). The vast majority of malignant thyroid nodules are papillary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid nodules can also be present in the context of inflammatory diseases of the thyroid, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Grave's disease.

Signs and Symptoms
Increased risk of carcinoma if:
Nodule if firm or fixed
Nodule is > 2 cm
Nodule is solid
Palpable cervical lymph nodes in setting of thyroid nodule
Read more diagnostic evaluation and Pearls-to-Know
Thyroid Nodule in FibonaccimdCOMPENDIUM
References
Lai SY, Mandel SJ, Weber RS. Management of Thyroid Neoplasms. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, Niparko JK, Robbins KT, Thomas R, Lesperance MM. Cummings Otolaryngology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2015.
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