Thyroid Nodules and Dysphagia

Introduction to Thyroid Nodules and Dysphagia

Dysphagia occurs in up to 56% of patients with certain thyroid conditions that affect surrounding structures, according to clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1

High-resolution ultrasound is essential to characterize the nodule, including its size, location relative to the trachea and esophagus, and composition, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 2
Evaluation of vocal cord mobility is important to exclude other causes of dysphagia, as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3
Assessment for esophageal pathology is necessary to rule out other causes of dysphagia, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 4
Consideration of neuromuscular causes of dysphagia is important, as suggested by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, published in Gut 5

If needed, CT or MRI may be considered to better visualize the relationship between the nodule and surrounding structures, especially if there's concern for substernal extension, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 2