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Thyroid Nodules

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Thyroid Cancer

Part of the book series: Endocrine Updates ((ENDO,volume 32))

Abstract

Thyroid nodules are quite common, and are often discovered as an incidental finding on a physical examination, through imaging modalities or at autopsy. The vast majority of these nodules are benign and do not require any specific therapy. Thyroid nodules are evaluated in order to see if the lesion is benign or malignant, or, in a patient with hyperthyroidism, to see if the nodule is the source of excessive thyroid hormone. In addition to important historical details, a neck examination, serum TSH measurement, and, in some instances, a serum calcitonin measurement, with a thyroid and neck ultrasonography, provide a substantial amount of important information which will direct subsequent evaluation, including the need for a fine-needle-aspiration biopsy of the lesion(s). The management of the nodule is dictated by these findings and subsequent behavior.

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  1. Divison of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd Room 2119, Plaza Level, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA

    Glenn D. Braunstein & Wendy Sacks

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  1. Department of Medicine, The James R. Klinenberg M.D. Chair in Me, Professor and Chairman,, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, 90048, California, USA

    Glenn D. Braunstein

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Braunstein, G.D., Sacks, W. (2012). Thyroid Nodules. In: Braunstein, G. (eds) Thyroid Cancer. Endocrine Updates, vol 32. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0875-8_3

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