Angiographic detection of unsuspected carcinoma of the thyroid gland

Angiography is seldom used to detect carcinoma of the thyroid. We have recently encountered four patients with hypervascular lesions of the neck demonstrated by angiography for evaluation of an unrelated medical problem. In each, carcinoma of the thyroid was detected and total thyroidectomy performed. Because of the possibility of carcinoma of the thyroid in patients with hypervascular lesions of the neck, we recommend exploration of the neck, regardless of symptoms, physical findings or scintiscan results.