The researchers found that in a series of studies, pregnant patients with thyroid nodules had a thyroid cancer rate of approximately 27%. About 5% of thyroid nodules are typically cancerous in the population overall.
The researchers speculated that pregnancy may promote thyroid nodule formation in general, or pregnancy may speed up the growth of previously cancerous nodules.
The researchers indicated that fine-needle aspiration is the optimal diagnostic method for nodules during pregnancy, and if surgery is required, it should be delayed until the second trimester or shortly after delivery.
Source:
Burch, Dr. Henry B. Presentation, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' Ninth Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress, 2000
