Penn Primary Care Podcast Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer
Dec 13, 2024
Dr. Kristen Kobaly, an endocrinologist and thyroid specialist, dives into the common yet often misunderstood world of thyroid nodules and cancer. She reassures listeners that while nodules are prevalent, most are benign. Dr. Kobaly breaks down the various types of thyroid cancer and their prognoses, discusses crucial diagnostic tools like ultrasound and TSH, and explains the fine needle aspiration process. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding biopsy results and navigating postoperative care, ensuring a comprehensive overview of managing thyroid health.
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Thyroid Nodules Are Usually Benign
- Most thyroid nodules are benign and under 5% are cancerous.
- About 10–15% are true neoplasms that need further evaluation.
Papillary Cancer Is Common And Indolent
- Papillary thyroid cancer is the commonest and usually indolent with >98% five-year survival.
- It often spreads to neck lymph nodes but generally has excellent prognosis.
Start With Ultrasound And TSH
- Start evaluation with a thyroid ultrasound and a TSH for any known or suspected nodule.
- If TSH is low, obtain a nuclear medicine uptake scan before biopsy because hot nodules rarely need FNA.