Μυελοειδές καρκίνωμα θυρεοειδούς σαν τυχαίο εύρημα μετά από λοβεκτομή

THYROID NODULES; HOW FREQUENT ARE AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION?

The incidence of thyroid nodules among the general population depends on the diagnostic method used for their detection:

Clinical examination (palpation)                                                                                

4 – 7 %

Neck ultrasonography                                                                                                    

20 – 70 %

Contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography (incidental finding)

25 %

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

15 – 20 %

PET scans (for non-thyroid diseases)                                                                                      

1 – 3 %

Autopsy studies                                                                                                                

up to 60 %

It is expected that –as medical technology continues to evolve – and the social demand for imaging continues to increase, the incidence of incidentally detected thyroid nodules will continue to increase, making the risk stratification of patients and the identification of those who need further diagnostic evaluation (including FNA) and surgical intervention of crucial importance.