Solitary thyroid nodule

Name(s): 
Thyroid tumour
Nature 
Thyroid nodules are common in the general population and about half of the thyroid nodules detected on physical examination are solitary nodules. In contrast to this high prevalence of nodular thyroid disease, thyroid cancer is rare.
Background 
The importance of solitary thyroid nodule lies in the increased risk of malignancy compared with other thyroid swellings. The incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules varies from 5% to 20% in different surveys, whereas the incidence of malignancy in multinodular goitre is only 3-5%. In one study, 4% of cases of solitary nodules were due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Incidence 
Solitary thyroid nodules though seen commonly in both sexes, are four to six times more common in females. The frequency of thyroid nodules increases with age. Most nodules are detected between the ages of 30 and 50 years and the majority of them are benign.
Broader 
Goitre
Aggravates 
Thyroid cancer
Aggravated by 
Hashimoto's disease
Type 
(G) Very specific problems