Incidental thyroid carcinoma in surgically treated multinodular goiter: a retrospective study
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By
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G. Pavone
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E. Lamanna
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M. Pacilli
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E. Khoury
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A. Ambrosi
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N. Tartaglia
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July 2, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Unexpected thyroid cancer findings in patients with multinodular goiter undergoing surgery: a retrospective analysis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Multinodular Goiter |
| Key Mechanisms | Incidental thyroid carcinoma may be detected during surgery for multinodular goiter. |
| Target Population | Patients with multinodular goiter undergoing thyroidectomy. |
| Care Setting | Surgical treatment in a hospital setting. |
Key Highlights
- Incidental thyroid carcinoma identified in 14.4% of patients undergoing surgery for MNG.
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common subtype, accounting for 78.1% of cases.
- Younger patients are more likely to have incidental thyroid carcinoma.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the principal diagnostic tool for assessing nodules.
Management
- Surgical intervention is indicated for patients with multinodular goiter and incidental carcinoma.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular follow-up is recommended for patients with multinodular goiter.
Risks
- Increasing age is associated with a reduced probability of malignancy.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with multinodular goiter undergoing total or partial thyroidectomy.
Surgical treatment may reveal incidental thyroid carcinoma.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize ultrasound risk stratification systems to identify suspicious nodules.
- Consider molecular diagnostics to improve cancer detection accuracy.
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