Thyroid Nodule
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Spanish Translation
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According to recent ATA (American Thyroid Association) guidelines: Solid nodules that are hypoechoic on ultrasound and greater than 1cm, the recommendation is for Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration to look at cytology. Mixed cystic–solid nodules and predominantly cystic with greater than 50% cystic component are generally evaluated by FNA directed biopsy of the solid component (especially the vascular component.) Cyst drainage may also be performed, especially in symptomatic patients.US guidance for FNA is recommended for those nodules that are nonpalpable, predominantly cystic, or located posteriorly in the thyroid lobe.Purely cystic nodules FNA is n ot indicated unless used as a therapeutic modality. Various sonographic characteristics of a thyroid nodule have been associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy . These include nodule hypoechogenicity compared to the normal thyroid parenchyma, increased intranodular vascularity, irregular infiltrative margins, the presence of microcalcifications, an absent halo, and a shape taller than the width measured in the transverse dimension. With the exception of suspicious cervical lymphadenopathy, which is a specific but insensitive finding, no single sonographic feature or combinations of features is adequately sensitive or specific to identify all malignant nodules.