Excerpt from Thyroid Nodule Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: colloid nodule, degenerative cyst, hyperplasia, thyroiditis, benign neoplasm, malignancy, malignant thyroid nodule, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, FNAB Please click here to view the full topic text: Thyroid Nodule Nodular disease of the thyroid gland is prevalent in the United States. The lifetime risk for developing a palpable thyroid nodule is estimated to be 5-10%, and the condition affects more women than men. In general, nodular disease of the thyroid is common; however, malignancy of the thyroid occurs in only 0.004% of the American population annually (12,000 new cases per y). Roughly 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant; the remainder represent a variety of benign diagnoses, including colloid nodules, degenerative cysts, hyperplasia, thyroiditis, or benign neoplasms. A rational approach to management of a thyroid nodule is based on the clinician's ability to distinguish the more common benign diagnoses from malignancy in a highly reliable and cost-effective manner. Please click here to view the full topic text: Thyroid Nodule

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