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Importance of thyroid abnormalities detected at US screening: a 5-year follow-up
A E Brander1, V P Viikinkoski, J I Nickels
1Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. Antti.Brander@huch.fi
Radiology
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in adults are common but mostly benign and clinically insignificant. A 5-year follow-up confirmed no thyroid cancers developed from these initial findings.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Thyroid ultrasound screening in adults can detect abnormalities.
- The natural history and clinical significance of these findings require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term course and prevalence of thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in a general adult population.
- To assess the clinical importance of incidental thyroid findings over a 5-year period.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year follow-up study of 69 adults with prior thyroid ultrasound abnormalities.
- Re-examination included ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, blood tests, and clinical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Of 34 nodules, 12 grew, and 8 diminished or disappeared.
- Seven new lesions were detected, all benign upon biopsy.
- No thyroid malignancies were identified in any subjects over the 5-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in the general adult population are typically benign.
- These findings are generally of minor clinical importance, suggesting a conservative management approach.