In recent years, the incidence of thyroid nodules in China has sharply increased, which is related to factors such as increased social pressure, negative emotions, abnormal iodine intake, and genetics. Another part is due to the popularization of health check ups and the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasound and other examination methods, which have improved the detection rate of thyroid nodules.
The thyroid gland in our body is the largest secretory gland in the body, and its external shape looks like the letter "H", composed of the isthmus and two lateral lobes. The main function of the thyroid gland is to secrete thyroid hormones and calcitonin. When thyroid function is abnormal, thyroid nodules are prone to occur. Thyroid nodules can generally be detected through initial diagnosis or ultrasound examination. Most symptoms are not obvious, and more severe nodules may show local compression, and may also be accompanied by hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Actually, in layman's terms, thyroid nodules are just abnormal growths on the thyroid gland, similar to pimples on the face. Therefore, thyroid nodules can also be understood as pimples on one's own thyroid gland.
There are many common methods for thyroid examination, among which high-resolution ultrasound is the preferred method. It is easy to operate and relatively affordable, but for some deep thyroid nodules, the display is still not accurate. In addition, there is also MR examination, which has better contrast in soft tissue but poorer display of calcification. Fine needle aspiration biopsy has high diagnostic sensitivity, but it is an invasive examination and there may be some false negatives. Finally, the application of thyroid CT examination in clinical practice is becoming increasingly widespread. CT examination has high resolution and clear relationships within tissues. CT examination is divided into two types: plain scan and enhanced CT, and different examination methods are selected according to the patient's different conditions.
During CT examination, it is possible to determine whether thyroid nodules are benign or malignant. Common benign nodules include nodular goiter and follicular adenoma; Malignant nodules are divided into differentiated thyroid cancer and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer; Among them, papillary carcinoma is the most common. So what are the differences in CT manifestations among these common types of thyroid nodules, and how should they be diagnosed?
1. Thyroid papillary carcinoma: This is the most common type of malignant nodule, generally more common in the female population, and the incidence rate is also higher in people with a family history. Thyroid papillary carcinoma grows slowly, and most have a good prognosis. During CT examination: most of the shapes are irregular, the capsule is incomplete, and there may be thyroid margin interruption sign; Most CT scans present low-density features, and the contour of the nodules after enhancement is more blurry and the range is relatively reduced compared to plain scans; Calcification is mostly located in the center of the lesion site; Incomplete cystic transformation.
2. Nodular goiter: This condition is more common in women and can last for several years, with diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. During CT examination, bilateral thyroid enlargement appears symmetrical; The lesion site is often multiple circular or circular like shapes, and rarely occurs alone; Uneven density, varying in height, often accompanied by cystic changes and calcification.
3. Thyroid tumor: This is a common benign tumor originating from thyroid follicular tissue; The overall age of the patients is between 20-30 years old, with females being the most common. Most of them do not have obvious clinical symptoms and their growth is relatively slow. CT shows multiple circular nodules or masses in the thyroid gland, with multiple occurring in a minority; The density of the lesion is uniform, and when the lesion is large, bleeding, calcification, and cystic changes may occur; Clear edge price range and high integrity of the capsule.
4. Thyroiditic lesions: More common in middle-aged women over 30 years old, the disease course is generally longer, and there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of onset. Some patients may have symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and thyroid enlargement. CT shows diffuse enlargement of both thyroid glands, with the isthmus being the most prominent; The thyroid gland has a diffuse decrease in density, and the surrounding muscle tissue is very uneven.
In clinical practice, doctors will determine the specific condition of thyroid nodules based on different CT manifestations and then take corresponding treatment measures. So CT examination is an indispensable part of the treatment process for thyroid nodules, and a more precise diagnosis is the significance of CT examination for patients.