[Echography of thyroid nodules. What the clinician is waiting for]

J Radiol. 1994 Mar;75(3):187-90.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Although modern high-resolution real time ultrasound equipment permits excellent visualisation of the thyroid nodules, their ultrasonic appearance and characteristics do not accurately predict the histological result. Ultrasound allows the whole thyroid and adjacent lymph nodes to be examined. It is regarded as valuable in differentiating between solid and cystic lesions and single or multiple lesions. But predictive positive values of ultrasound in suggesting malignant diagnosis is not so doubtful as it can be said. An hypoechoic lesion is more often malignant and it can be one criterion among many which can help clinician to select patients who must undergo surgery. Ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy is useful in these cases.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Nodule / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Nodule / pathology
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography