Should I consider getting a thyroid screening?
Thyroid nodules, which present as solid or fluid-filled lumps within the thyroid gland, are very common; in fact, it’s been estimated that up to 50 percent of people older than 60 have them, if you look hard enough. While the vast majority (beyond 95 percent) of nodules are benign, some are cancerous and need to be removed. Although thyroid cancer is very easy to treat and slow to progress, it’s important to know you have it in the first place so you can take action.
Most nodules are asymptomatic, which means many people don’t even realise they have them until their facial therapist at the spa points it out, or their collar feels overly tight. Many nodules are also caught during incidental health screenings.
While there isn’t a formal screening recommendation for thyroid nodules, screening for them certainly can’t hurt, as there is zero risk posed by thyroid ultrasounds. Just like a mammogram for a breast lump, ultrasound scan is very safe, consistent and informative in the management of thyroid nodules. A unified system of reporting called Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) is often used to pick up suspicious nodules for further evaluation such as a biopsy.
Since there’s no downside, I think it’s definitely worth doing. Check whether thyroid screening is available in your screening package, and if it is, do it.
Dennis Lim Surgery
#11-09 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth
6836 5167 | dennislim.com.sg