Klin Farmakol Farm. 2011;25(1):28-32

Nodule of thyroid gland

Jan Čáp

2. interní klinika LF UK a FN, Hradec Králové

Using ultrasound a thyroid nodule is detectable in more than one half of women in middle age or older. Besides history and physical examination

the most important in the diagnostic workout is thyroid ultrasound with guided fine-needle aspiration cytology. Scintigraphy

is indicated in cases with hyperthyroidism only. Laboratory investigation of thyroid function (TSH level) and antithyroid antibodies is

important. Estimation of calcitonin level as tumour marker of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is indicated for selected cases only.

Suppressive therapy with thyroxin can decrease nodule volume in about every sixth patient in expense of low TSH level. It is considered

only in young patients after thyroid autonomy has been ruled out. The majority of cases can be only followed-up; in autonomous nodules

therapy with radioiodine is indicated. Surgery remains the treatment of choice when indicated.

Keywords: nodule of thyroid gland, screening, treatment

Published: March 18, 2011  Show citation