Paediatric Imaging

Thyroid nodule

a palpable mass in the thyroid gland which is mostly benign and rare in children, most being detected on neck palpation. Sonography differentiates solid from cystic nodules. Radionuclide scanning is required to assess the function. Most nodules are non-functioning and, if solid, are adenomas. The diagnosis is confirmed by cytology. Rarely, a nodule may be "hot", i.e. contains functioning tissue, and becomes autonomous and causes hyperthyroidism. Hot nodules are benign.

SM