Thyroid nodules are one of the most common diseases in our country. These nodules are found in almost every 3 people.
The most important issue in a person with a thyroid nodule is whether this nodule is malignant, that is, cancer. Therefore, thyroid nodules need to be evaluated carefully in this respect.
When we encounter a thyroid nodule, the history taken from the patient is quite guiding. It is very important to determine whether the person with a nodule has a family history of thyroid nodules, whether there are people with nodules who have undergone surgery, and whether those who have had surgery have thyroid cancer. Especially the presence of thyroid cancer in the family makes one think that the person is at risk for thyroid cancer.
One of the other important points in the story is whether the person with a nodule has previously been exposed to radiation therapy or radiation in the neck area for any reason. In addition, if the nodule was present before, its rapid growth during follow-up is another factor that suggests that the nodule may be benign.
A very good ultrasonographic evaluation should be performed in people with a nodule. Many features detected in thyroid USG can give us helpful ideas about whether the nodule is benign or not.
Thyroid USG shows microcalcifications (small calcium-like accumulations within the nodule), nodules having an irregular structure, hypoechoic (dark) colored), increased blood flow within the nodule, and enlargement or enlargement of the lymph nodes along with the nodule suggest that the nodule may be malignant.
However, in Thyroid USG, the nodule is cystic, hyperechoic (brightly colored), and its size is large. Its small size suggests that it may be benign.
Also, from time to time, scintigraphic examinations can help determine whether the nodule is benign or not. Nodules that appear cold (do not retain iodine) in scintigraphic examinations are also more likely to be malignant.
But all these examinations are only helpful findings that give us an idea. The examination that best shows whether a nodule is benign or malignant is a thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Thyroid biopsy is a biopsy performed with the thinnest needle in the neck region, accompanied by ultrasonography. It is a transaction. The complications of this procedure are quite low. The diagnosis rate is 95%. In a very small number of cases, repeated biopsy may be required due to insufficient material.
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