High incidence of thyroid cancer in focal thyroid incidentaloma detected by 18F-fluorodexyglucose positron emission tomography in relatively young healthy subjects: results of 3-year follow-up

• DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k10e-008
• Publication Date: 2010-05-31T06:06:59Z
• Authors: Kenji Ohba; Sadahiko Nishizawa; Akio Matsushita; Masayuki Inubushi; Koji Nagayama; Hiroyuki Iwaki; Hideyuki Matsunaga; Shingo Suzuki; Shigekazu Sasaki; Yutaka Oki; Hiroyuki Okada; Hirotoshi Nakamura
• Keywords: Incidentaloma; Nodule (geology); Thyroid Nodules; Fluorodeoxyglucose; Standardized uptake value

As 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is becoming a common imaging modality, the number of thyroid incidentalomas identified by FDG-PET (PET incidentaloma) increasing. The purpose this study was to elucidate risk cancer in focal PET incidentaloma healthy subjects relatively younger age as well usefulness repeated FDG-PET. conducted with an observation period three years. A total 1,501 volunteers (mean age, 43.5+/-9.7 years) underwent first from August 2003 July 2004. When found, further diagnostic examination conducted. suspected, surgical resection performed patient' s agreement. Patients without surgery were offered annual US and finally FNAB fourth year. Focal observed 20 subjects. final diagnoses malignant 11 (ten papillary carcinoma (PTC) one showing thymus-like differentiation), indeterminate one, benign eight Seven patients not treated surgically at had One patient PTC showed increasing SUVmax, but another nodule exhibited similar increase. Others (one PTC, nodule, nodules) negligible SUVmax changes. closely examined, young adults has high probability malignancy. Repeated follow up nodules ineffective.