September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
September 16, 2021 – September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Thyroid Cancer is a devastating disease and is the most common cancer in women aged 20 to 34. Over the last few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased significantly, which might be attributable to increased detection by newer diagnostic imaging techniques.
Thyroid nodules are often detected incidentally by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET); however, ultrasonography (US) is the most commonly used imaging modality for characterization of these nodules. US characteristics that increase the likelihood of malignancy in a thyroid nodule include microcalcifications, solid composition, and central vascularity. Nuclear scintigraphy is commonly used for evaluation of physiologic thyroid function and for identification of metabolically active and inactive nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of a lesion is indicated based on clinical and radiologic features.
Papillary carcinoma represents 80 percent and Follicular carcinoma represents 11 percent of all primary thyroid malignancies. Anaplastic carcinoma accounts for two percent of all primary thyroid malignancies and has a poor prognosis. Medullary carcinoma represents four percent and Lymphoma one to five percent of all primary thyroid malignancies. PET/CT should be considered for cases with normal neck ultrasonography to look for distant metastatic disease. The addition of shear wave elastography and three-dimensional (3D) US imaging may improve the ability to visualize thyroid nodule and improve risk stratification for thyroid cancer.
As the largest oncology-focused imaging CRO, and recognized as the preeminent imaging core lab within oncology, Imaging Endpoints is actively involved in providing its expertise in Connecting Imaging to the CureTM to fight Thyroid Cancer.
Learn more about how Imaging Endpoints is battling cancers like Thyroid Cancer at ImagingEndpoints.com/imaging-services/oncology/.
