Degenerating thyroid nodules: Ultrasound diagnosis, clinical significance, and management

Abstract

Degenerating nodules (DNs), which primarily manifest as benign thyroid nodules, are one of the main causes of discordance in ultrasonography (US) and cytological assessments. Intranodular hemorrhage is one of the mechanisms contributing to discordant nodules, and an impaired blood supply may explain further DN shrinkage and infarction. The surgical specimens can be divided into acute and chronic stages based on the histological changes, which usually mimic the US features of malignant tumors. Serial US follow-up should be recommended instead of other unnecessary procedures. However, repeated fine-needle aspiration, diagnostic surgery, or core-needle biopsy may still be necessary for indeterminable or highly suspicious DNs.