ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of thyroid nodules and cancer.
Title | ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of thyroid nodules and cancer. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Vrachimis, A., Iakovou I., Giannoula E., & Giovanella L. |
Journal | Eur J Endocrinol |
Volume | 183 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | G41-G48 |
Date Published | 2020 Jul |
ISSN | 1479-683X |
Keywords | Betacoronavirus, 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. |
DOI | 10.1530/EJE-20-0269 |
Alternate Journal | Eur J Endocrinol |
PubMed ID | 32438345 |