Comparison of incidental versus palpable thyroid nodules presenting for fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Authors

Ayaka J. Iwata, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Arti Bhan, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Sharon Lahiri, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Amy M. Williams, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Ashley Taylor, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Steven S. Chang, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Michael C. Singer, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Iwata AJ, Bhan A, Lahiri S, Williams AM, Taylor AR, Chang SS, and Singer MC. Comparison of incidental versus palpable thyroid nodules presenting for fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Head Neck 2018; 40(7):1508-1514.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2018

Publication Title

Head & neck

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many attribute the rise in incidence of thyroid cancer to a deluge of radiologically identified incidental thyroid nodules. The clinical implications are unclear.

METHODS: A review was performed of all patients who underwent fine-needle aspirations of thyroid nodules by our academic medical center's Endocrinology Division between 2006 and 2010. Medical records were reviewed to identify whether the thyroid nodule was discovered incidentally or by palpation.

RESULTS: Of 1153 patients, 37.4% underwent a biopsy because of an incidental thyroid nodule. These patients were significantly more likely to be >45 years old, men, white race, and with a body mass index >30 kg/m

CONCLUSION: Thyroid nodules discovered incidentally are increasing the diagnosis of subclinical thyroid cancers. Not investigated previously, our study found that the mode of detection was not related to malignancy or surgery.

PubMed ID

29522260

Volume

40

Issue

7

First Page

1508

Last Page

1514