Thyroid Nodules and Nodular Thyroid Goiters
Thyroid Nodules and Nodular Thyroid Goiters
The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population has been estimated to be about 5%. Ultrasound and autopsy studies have estimated the prevalence to be as high as 50%, especially in the elderly. Most nodules are impalpable and benign. Only about 10% of nodules are clinically apparent.
The prevalence of thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules is approximately 4% to 6%. Previous studies have indicated a higher prevalence (10% to 30%), probably due to selection bias. A study of surgically resected thyroid tissue indicated the prevalence of occult thyroid cancer to be between 1.5% and 10.0%. Moreover, thyroid cancer accounts for only 0.4% of all cancer deaths. Studies suggest that initially avoiding expensive radiologic studies, combined with early referral to an endocrinologist, is a cost-effective approach. In this review, we discuss an approach that may be adopted in the primary care setting to manage thyroid nodules and multinodular goiters.
The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population has been estimated to be about 5%. Ultrasound and autopsy studies have estimated the prevalence to be as high as 50%, especially in the elderly. Most nodules are impalpable and benign. Only about 10% of nodules are clinically apparent.
The prevalence of thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules is approximately 4% to 6%. Previous studies have indicated a higher prevalence (10% to 30%), probably due to selection bias. A study of surgically resected thyroid tissue indicated the prevalence of occult thyroid cancer to be between 1.5% and 10.0%. Moreover, thyroid cancer accounts for only 0.4% of all cancer deaths. Studies suggest that initially avoiding expensive radiologic studies, combined with early referral to an endocrinologist, is a cost-effective approach. In this review, we discuss an approach that may be adopted in the primary care setting to manage thyroid nodules and multinodular goiters.
