Outcomes of incidentally discovered thyroid nodules referred to a high‐volume head and neck surgeon

Abstract

Based on radiologic findings, risk factors, and FNA results, many incidental thyroid nodules can be observed. Incidental thyroid nodules should be evaluated in the same fashion as a palpable thyroid nodule.

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

“…Men were significantly more likely to be diagnosed incidentally than women in our study; however, about 78% of patients with incidental thyroid nodules were women. This is consistent with other studies that reported about 70% of their patients with incidental thyroid nodules were women …”

“…Interestingly, training detected 3% of the incidental thyroid nodules, which is likely unique to a teaching hospital. This distribution of indications for imaging differs from Kroeker et al, who reported that thyroid dysfunction (21%), neck discomfort (18%), and a lateral neck mass (14%) were the most common indications.…”

“…Hobbs et al reported that 25% of patients with incidental thyroid nodules were managed surgically and 6.4% were diagnosed with cancer. In the study by Kroeker et al, 41% had surgery and 29% were found to be malignant. In Korea, Kang et al reported that 28.8% of incidental thyroid nodules were malignant.…”

Imaging-Detected Incidental Thyroid Nodules that Undergo Surgery: A Single-Center Experience Over 1 Year

“…8,9 Of patients who undergo FNAB, 22%-51% proceed to surgery. [10][11][12] These surgical patients represent an important group to study because they have higher costs and morbidity associated with the work-up of their ITNs. Thus, it is important to consider the costs and benefits of work-up in patients with ITN who fall into this surgical group.…”

Discovering Incidental Thyroid Disease by Imaging Studies

“…Part of the reason may be due to an increase in the detection rates of ITD during examinations. In addition, ITD may be diagnosed during surgery or during a final histopathological examination for head and neck surgery [5].…”