Differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules

Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Generally speaking, whether benign or malignant, thyroid nodules show blood flow signals. For benign nodules, blood flow signals can be seen around the perimeter, with internal blood flow no different from normal thyroid tissue. In such cases, the nodules are typically diagnosed as thyroid adenomas, and they usually appear round or oval in shape with a uniformly echoic internal substance. If liquefaction occurs, mixed or cystic changes can appear; the tumor’s capsule tends to be intact, with clear boundaries. If a nodule has abundant internal blood flow with disorganized vessel distribution and high flow velocity, showing a high-resistance flow pattern, and has relatively less peripheral blood flow, it generally needs to be assessed for thyroid cancer. These nodules are often hypoechoic with irregular shapes, and the ratio of their longitudinal to transverse diameter is greater than 1. They have unclear boundaries, lack a capsule, and have no halo. In typical cases, microcalcifications like sand grains can also be observed. From the above analysis, we can see that the blood flow signals in thyroid nodules are complicated and reflect the extent of the nodular pathology. These signals can help in differentiating benign from malignant nodules, but when a rich and disorganized blood flow is observed, the nodule is more likely to be malignant.

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Which is more serious, pulmonary nodules or thyroid nodules?

It is impossible to compare the severity between thyroid nodules and lung nodules. Firstly, thyroid nodules and lung nodules occur in different organs. Lung nodules are mostly caused by inhalation of dust, pollutants, or smoke. Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, often result from genetic factors, or issues with the patient’s own constitution leading to the formation of these nodules. Most lung nodules can be classified as benign or malignant through diagnostic tests, whereas it is often difficult to assess the nature of thyroid nodules with standard tests. Additional auxiliary examinations, such as PET-CT or SPECT, and biopsy pathology are needed to determine the nature of thyroid nodules. Therefore, the approaches to observing and handling these two types of nodules are entirely different, and they cannot be compared.

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Should thyroid nodules be punctured?

Thyroid fine needle aspiration is a reliable and highly valuable diagnostic method we use to distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Generally, thyroid nodules with a diameter >1 cm are considered for fine needle aspiration. Fine needle aspiration is not routinely considered in the following situations: (1) The nodule has already been evaluated with a nuclear scan indicating a hyperfunctioning adenoma due to hyperthyroidism; (2) The nodule is purely cystic; (3) The nodule is highly suspected to be highly malignant. In cases where the nodules grow rapidly and significantly enlarge, causing compression of the surrounding trachea and symptoms such as breathing difficulties and hoarseness, these thyroid nodules requiring surgery do not necessitate further fine needle aspiration treatment.

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Thyroid Nodule Classification Standard

To standardize the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, we have categorized thyroid nodules into six levels, with the severity and the likelihood of malignancy increasing with each level: Grade 1 refers to normal thyroid tissue; Grade 2 indicates benign changes in the thyroid, with the risk of malignancy increasing over time. For example, simple thyroid cysts, which require an ultrasound check every 1-2 years; Grade 3 refers to the presence of nodules in the thyroid with a malignancy possibility of

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Does thyroid nodule puncture hurt?

Fine needle aspiration is an invasive examination, but it is currently an important and most efficient method for assessing benign and malignant conditions, generally conducted under ultrasound guidance. Thyroid nodule aspiration does not cause much pain, similar to that of an injection. Anesthetics are used during the procedure, so the pain is not very noticeable. However, as the effect of the anesthetic wears off, there may still be some pain at the puncture site, but the patients do not need to carry a heavy psychological burden.

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Are thyroid nodules serious?

The severity of thyroid nodules needs to be assessed based on their nature, size, function, and location. Generally, they can be classified into benign and malignant, with malignant nodules being thyroid cancer, which requires timely treatment. Surgical treatment is the main method for treating thyroid cancer, whereas most benign nodules do not require special handling. Regarding the size of the thyroid nodules, if the nodules are too large and compress surrounding tissues such as the trachea, esophagus, and nerves, surgical treatment is recommended. For common benign nodules, regular observation is sufficient. Functionally, some thyroid nodules may affect thyroid function, such as in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can present with diffuse multiple nodules, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In such cases, appropriate medication treatment is needed. From a positional perspective, ectopic growth of thyroid nodules, if located at areas like the base of the ear, pharynx, neck, esophagus, or thoracic cavity, is a rare congenital developmental anomaly. If such a nodule significantly enlarges and compresses surrounding tissues, surgical treatment is advised.