Thyroid cancer complicating pregnancy

Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are more common in women than in men. It is not uncommon to find a thyroid nodule during pregnancy that requires investigation. Fortunately, most cancers found during pregnancy are differentiated thyroid cancers with an excellent prognosis. Fine-needle aspiration is safe and accurate during pregnancy. Cancer discovered early in pregnancy can safely be operated on in the second trimester. Cancers or nodules discovered later in pregnancy can have work-up and treatment delayed until after delivery. No data support pregnancy termination or the proscription of future pregnancy in these patients.