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Follicular Neoplasm — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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HardEndocrinologyFollicular NeoplasmRACP Adult Medicine

A euthyroid 45-year-old has a 3-cm thyroid nodule with Bethesda IV cytology. Ultrasound shows no invasive feature or abnormal node, and molecular testing is unavailable. What is the usual next step?

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Correct answer: BOffer diagnostic thyroid lobectomy after endocrine-surgical review and discussion with the patient

The best answer is “Offer diagnostic thyroid lobectomy after endocrine-surgical review and discussion with the patient”. Bethesda IV cytology cannot distinguish follicular adenoma from carcinoma because capsular or vascular invasion requires histology. Diagnostic lobectomy is the usual operation when there is no separate indication for total thyroidectomy. Bethesda IV does not imply hyperfunction, and surveillance alone or hormone suppression does not resolve the histological question.

Reference: Australian Prescriber: Investigating thyroid nodules: https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/investigating-thyroid-nodules.html