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ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of thyroid nodules and cancer.

TitleENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of thyroid nodules and cancer.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsVrachimis, A., Iakovou I., Giannoula E., & Giovanella L.
JournalEur J Endocrinol
Volume183
Issue1
PaginationG41-G48
Date Published2020 Jul
ISSN1479-683X
KeywordsBetacoronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, Disease Management, Endocrinology, Humans, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral, Risk Assessment, Thyroid Neoplasms, Thyroid Nodule
Abstract

Most patients with thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer (TC) referred for diagnostic work-up and treatment are not considered at higher risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 compared to the general population. On the other hand, healthcare resources should be spared to the maximum extent possible during a pandemic. Indeed, while thyroid nodules are very common, only a small percentage are cancerous and, in turn, most thyroid cancers are indolent in nature. Accordingly, diagnostic work-up of thyroid nodules, thyroid surgery for either benign or malignant thyroid nodules and radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancers may be safely postponed during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Appropriate patient counselling, however, is mandatory and red flags should be carefully identified prompting immediate evaluation and treatment as appropriate. For these selected cases diagnostic work-up (e.g. ultrasound, scintigraphy, fine-needle aspiration), surgery and radioiodine therapy may proceed despite the threat of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19, after an individual risk-benefit analysis.

DOI10.1530/EJE-20-0269
Alternate JournalEur J Endocrinol
PubMed ID32438345

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