Does thyroxine suppression therapy help to rationalize surgery in benign euthyroid nodules?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Nodular thyroid disease is a common endocrine problem. Most thyroid nodules are benign hyperplastic lesions, but 5-20% may be a true neoplasm. It is important to differentiate a benign from a malignant nodule early as the approach to treatment in the two is radically different. Early institution of medical management in a benign nodule may obviate the need for surgery.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:

The present work aims to study the efficacy of thyroxine suppression in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective study on patients presenting with thyroid nodule was undertaken. The diagnostic work-up included a clinical evaluation, thyroid function tests, thyroid scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration cytology. Based on the investigations, patients were segregated in Group A (toxic nodular goiter), Group B (benign euthyroid nodule) and Group C (malignant nodule). Group A patients were managed with antithyroid drugs and radioiodine and Group C patients were managed surgically. Group B patients were put on thyroxine suppression. Patients who failed to show reduction in size of the nodule at 18 months were treated surgically.

CONCLUSION:

The response rate of benign euthyroid nodule to thyroxine suppression was 76% in the present study.

• Authors: Sujata Mitra, Mukesh Jha, Km Gandhi
• Journal: Indian journal of nuclear medicine : IJNM : the official journal of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India (Indian J Nucl Med) Vol. 25 Issue 2 Pg. 57-61 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 0974-0244 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 21188065 (Publication Type: Journal Article)