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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
Published on: April 21, 2023
[Thyroid nodules: clinical management and differential diagnosis]
1Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera italiana, Medicina nucleare, Bellinzona. luca.giovanella@eoc.ch
Praxis
|January 21, 2009
Summary
Thyroid nodules are common, with most being benign. Ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration are key for evaluating suspicious nodules and detecting thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5-10% of cases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Context:
- Thyroid nodules are highly prevalent, detected in up to 50% of individuals via ultrasonography.
- While most thyroid nodules are benign, a subset (5-10%) harbor thyroid cancer.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic approach for thyroid nodules, emphasizing the role of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology.
- To clarify the indications for imaging and biopsy in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.
Summary:
- Thyroid ultrasonography (US) is recommended for all palpable thyroid nodules, though not for general screening.
- US-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNC) is indicated for nodules with suspicious ultrasonographic features or clinical risk factors.
- Radioisotope scans are valuable for identifying functioning (benign) nodules when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is low or suppressed.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for thyroid nodules.
- Facilitates timely detection and management of thyroid cancer.
- Reduces unnecessary invasive procedures by guiding appropriate patient selection for biopsy.
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