Thyroid Nodule

There is no precise scientific definition of a nodule. A careful examination of the patient’s neck enables the clinician to identify a nodule, as long as it is large enough, superficial, and the patient’s morphology (long neck, thin body) facilitates the exam. Very high frequency ultrasound transducers are used to detect very small nodules (1 to 3 mm) that cannot be felt with palpation.

Thyroid nodules are the most frequent type of nodule. They account for an estimated 3 to 7% of nodules detected through neck palpation, and 20 to 76% of nodules detected via ultrasound.

Measurement of TSH alone is the first-line screening test.