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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-06-2010

Thyroid Ultrasonography

Authors: Yasuhiro Ito, Nobuyuki Amino, Akira Miyauchi

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 6/2010

Abstract

Background

The recent prevalence of ultrasonography (US) has facilitated the early detection and qualitative evaluation of thyroid nodules. Furthermore, novel technical developments are extending the application range of US for other thyroid diseases.

Methods

The use of US to differentiate between thyroid carcinoma and benign nodule, between a metastatic lymph node and a reactive node, between thyroid lymphoma and chronic thyroiditis, and between destruction-induced thyrotoxicosis and Graves’ disease is introduced.

Results

Classification systems for thyroid nodule have shown high diagnostic accuracy for thyroid carcinomas except follicular carcinoma. US diagnosis of lymph node metastasis showed high specificity but low sensitivity. Patients who were suspected of thyroid lymphoma based on US findings should undergo incisional biopsy or thyroidectomy for diagnosis of the histologic type if fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings suggest lymphoma. Patients should be carefully followed even if they were diagnosed as negative based on cytologic findings. Measurement of thyroid blood flow is helpful for diagnosing destruction-induced thyrotoxicosis, such as painless thyroiditis, by distinguishing the lesion from Graves’ disease.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is useful for diagnosing various thyroid diseases, including thyroid carcinoma. The remaining issue to be resolved is the diagnosis of follicular carcinoma. Trials using novel techniques to differentiate these lesions are expected.

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Title: Thyroid Ultrasonography
Authors: Yasuhiro Ito
Nobuyuki Amino
Akira Miyauchi
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-009-0211-3

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Thyroid Ultrasonography

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

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Methods

Results

Conclusions

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