Modern methodologies of differentiating thyroid masses

Abstract

The rational treatment of thyroid diseases requires an understanding of the thyroid function and an accurate evaluation of its functional (endocrine), as well as it morphological alteration. There are several different imaging techniques which are available and are in use in the evaluation of thyroid diseases. In this article we present a protocol for the use of diagnostic imaging to evaluate a focal thyroid mass, a diffusely enlarged gland, regional, and distant metastatic disease. The current diagnostic applications of radionuclide scanning, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be discussed.

Role of Intrathyroidal Calcifications Detected on Ultrasound as a Marker of Malignancy

“…It can distinguish nodular growth from intranodular hemorrhage and can also be used after suppressive therapy to evaluate for changes in size and echogenicity of a nodule 12 . In addition, TUS can be used to screen patients with history of prior head and neck irradiation 13 . One study showed that the routine use of TUS changed clinical management in 44% of patients referred for further work‐up of solitary nodules 2 .…”