A patient has a nodule on the thyroid gland.To determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant, which of the following tests would be best to perform?
A)Isotopic thyroid scan
B)Ultrasonography
C)TSH blood levels
D)Fine needle aspiration biopsy
E)Antithyroid antibodies

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the most accurate way to determine whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant. This procedure involves using a small needle to remove a sample of cells from the nodule, which can then be examined under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. Isotopic thyroid scans and TSH blood levels can help diagnose thyroid function problems, but are not effective at determining whether a nodule is cancerous. Ultrasonography can help detect the presence of a nodule and its characteristics, but cannot definitively diagnose whether it is benign or malignant. Antithyroid antibodies are more commonly used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A Patient Has a Nodule on the Thyroid Gland