Highlights
- •Thyroid nodules are a typical incidental finding.
- •Thyroid nodules should be evaluated through ultrasound for metastatic features.
- •Benign thyroid nodules require routine monitoring for noncancer complications such as dysphagia, dysphonia, or shortness of breath.
- •High-risk thyroid nodules require ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Abstract
An increase in the identification of thyroid nodules (TNs) leads to a subsequent increase
in benign nodules being misdiagnosed as malignant. The American Thyroid Association
has recognized that most TNs are benign and has developed clinical guidelines to guide
clinical decision making for the reduction of excessive thyroidectomy. Evaluation
and treatment of TNs is recommended for all nodules identified through palpation and
incidentally through advanced imaging. The goal of evaluation is to initiate accurate
monitoring and management recommendations based on malignancy risk determined by patient
history, physical examination, ultrasound imaging, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy
when indicated.
Keywords
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Biography
Cesalie D. Wallace, DNP, FNP-BC, who can be contacted at [email protected], and Margaret Love, DNP, FNP-BC, are nurse practitioners at the University of Arkansas Medical Center, Little Rock.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 08, 2023
Footnotes
In compliance with standard ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
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© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
