[Diagnostic value of isotope scanning in thyroid lesions]

Scannograms of the thyroid in 138 patients were analysed. Scanning of the thyroid is a valuable diagnostic adjunct, but it should be performed on definite indications. The scannogram pattern in malignant neoplasms of the thyroid is dependent on morphological features of a tumor, size and localization of a tumor node in the gland thickness. But scanning is found to be of no decisive value in establishing the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant neoplasms of the thyroid. Isotope scanning of the thyroid proves to be a largely informative method of examination in patients previously subjected to thyroid surgery, since it suggests an idea of the extent of the operation performed and of the remaining gland tissue bulk. Scanning technic seems to be of importance in recognizing the ectopic thyroid tissue and neoplasms arising from it.