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Laboratory Evaluation for Thyroid Nodules

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Thyroid Nodules

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Abstract

Science drives technology, and technology drives medicine. Advances in technology have led to more sensitive and accurate laboratory assays in endocrine practice. Whereas previously, clinical examination directed diagnosis and treatment, currently, laboratory tests facilitate diagnosis by accurate assessment of hormone secretion and production. While far from perfect, laboratory tests assist clinicians make correct diagnosis and offer specific therapy.

Thyroid function testing is indicated in those with thyroid nodules. Once a thyroid nodule has been identified, the next step in management should be the measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). What follows afterward depends on the TSH level: if normal or elevated, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy should be considered; if low, thyroid hormone levels, radioiodine uptake, and scan may be indicated. Laboratory evaluation is not only important when a nodule is identified but also in the postoperative care of those diagnosed with thyroid malignancy.

Here we describe the evaluation of thyroid nodular disease using laboratory studies along with some of the present-day caveats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA

    Alan A. Parsa MD, FACE

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA

    Hossein Gharib MD, MACP, MACE

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  1. Alan A. Parsa MD, FACE
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  2. Hossein Gharib MD, MACP, MACE
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Correspondence to Alan A. Parsa MD, FACE .

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    Hossein Gharib

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Parsa, A.A., Gharib, H. (2018). Laboratory Evaluation for Thyroid Nodules. In: Gharib, H. (eds) Thyroid Nodules. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59474-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59474-3_3

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