Thyroid incidentaloma

Abstract

Thyroid incidentaloma is defined as an unsuspected, asymptomatic thyroid lesion that is discovered on an imaging study or during an operation unrelated to the thyroid gland. Thyroid incidentalomas are most commonly detected on ultrasound, followed in frequency by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid duplex scanning and 2-(18)[F] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). The incidence of carcinoma in incidentally discovered thyroid disease is not insignificant. There are significant shortcomings of CT, MRI and PET imaging of the thyroid gland. As result, a thorough sonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland should be performed in all patients with a thyroid incidentaloma, regardless of the radiographic features identified on the "non thyroid "imaging modality. A sonographically confirmed thyroid nodule should be managed in an identical fashion to a clinically apparent thyroid nodule.