Thyroid nodules: Global, economic, and personal burdens.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Health Economics
• Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid nodules are increasingly detected due to enhanced surveillance, raising concerns about healthcare costs.
• Prevalence varies by detection method and population, with rising incidence in lower-income countries.
• Despite high survival rates for thyroid cancer, management costs pose a significant burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of thyroid nodule prevalence, incidence, and management.
• To analyze the economic impact and financial toxicity associated with thyroid nodule workup and treatment.
• To identify gaps in risk stratification and the need for cost-effective solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on thyroid nodule prevalence, incidence, and management.
• Analysis of cost-effectiveness data for diagnostic and molecular testing.
• Examination of financial toxicity in patients undergoing thyroid cancer care.

Main Results:

• Thyroid nodule prevalence varies widely; incidence is rising globally, particularly in lower-income countries.
• Advanced diagnostic tools like molecular testing offer marginal benefits in reducing surgeries but incur high costs.
• Financial toxicity, including bankruptcy, is a significant outcome for patients managing thyroid nodules and cancer.

Conclusions:

• Current thyroid nodule management systems require improvement through cost-effectiveness analyses.
• New clinical tools are needed to optimize risk stratification and avoid unnecessary procedures.
• Addressing the financial burden is crucial for equitable patient care in thyroid nodule management.