Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of
the Thyroid
Revising Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, M.D.
Revising
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What are thyroid nodules?
The thyroid gland is found in the neck just below the "Adam's apple." This gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which is an important hormone that stimulates the metabolism of the body. Between 4% and 7% of people in the United States have lumps (or nodules) in their thyroid gland that can be felt on examination. Like many things, the thyroid gland gets "lumpier" as we get older and the frequency of these nodules increases with age. In fact, many are found incidentally during routine examinations or radiology testing. Thyroid nodules are also more common in women than in men. In fact, ultrasound studies have found that up to one in every three women has at least one thyroid nodule that may be too small to notice. (Usually, a nodule needs to be greater than one centimeter in diameter for it to be felt.). Interestingly, because women have so many more nodules than men, the incidence of detected cancer is higher in women then in men by virtue of absolute numbers. However, each individual nodule is more likely to be cancerous if found in a man.
Doctors always hold a degree of concern whenever a new growth is
detected on the body, regardless of the tissue involved. The concern
is whether or not the growth or nodule is cancer (malignant).
Fortunately, fewer than 10% of thyroid nodules are malignant. The
majority of thyroid nodules are harmless growths, known as adenomas,
and are contained within a capsule. Even though cancerous nodules are
uncommon, the doctor will take the necessary measures to be certain.
Next: What is the initial assessment of a thyroid nodule? »
- Thyroid Blood Tests - Read about thyroid blood tests, which are used to diagnose disease of the thyroid such as hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as point to other diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Hypothyroidism - Learn about Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) including causes, symptoms (such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression), diagnosis, and treatment.
- Thyroid Scan - Learn about a thyroid scan, a procedure to assist in diagnosing, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
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