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InstaDiag Thyroid: Quickly Determine the Nature of a Thyroid Nodule
A thyroid nodule—discovered during a physical exam, an ultrasound, or another test—sometimes requires a specialized evaluation. InstaDiag Thyroid brings together, in a half-day session, the consultations and tests needed to determine the nature of the nodule and decide on the next steps. The care pathway involves several specialists in thyroid disorders: an endocrinologist, an oncologist, a surgeon, a radiologist, a cytopathologist, and a nurse or nursing assistant.
InstaDiag Thyroid—what is it?
InstaDiag Thyroid is a rapid diagnostic pathway designed for people with one or more thyroid nodules. It consists of an evaluation that includes a medical consultation, a thyroid ultrasound, and, if necessary, a fine-needle aspiration.
A fine-needle aspiration involves collecting cells from the nodule using a fine needle, usually under ultrasound guidance. These cells are then examined under a microscope to help determine whether the nodule is benign, suspicious, or malignant.
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Half a day
The appointments for the InstaDiag Thyroid screening program are scheduled over the course of a half-day in the consultation areas at Gustave Roussy.
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More than 90%
The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign. The evaluation helps identify nodules that require monitoring or specific treatment.
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3 main stages
The process typically involves a medical consultation, an ultrasound with a fine-needle aspiration, if necessary, followed by another medical consultation and the results.
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A medical consultation: The doctor reviews the patient's medical history, current treatments, and tests already performed, and examines the neck area.
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A targeted ultrasound: The exam determines the size, number, and characteristics of the nodules to be examined.
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A biopsy, if necessary: A fine-needle aspiration may be performed during the ultrasound to collect cells.
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What to do: The available results are explained during a follow-up visit, along with the recommended next steps.
The process may include, among other things:
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a medical consultation to review the history of the lump, medical history, and previous treatments;
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a physical examination of the neck to examine the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes;
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a thyroid ultrasound, which uses ultrasound waves to evaluate the gland and the nodules;
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a fine-needle aspiration, performed with a thin needle when a cell sample is needed;
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a cytological analysis, which involves examining the cells under a microscope;
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a blood test or thyroid scan, if the doctor deems these tests necessary;
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a medical consultation and a review of the results to explain the findings of the evaluation.
Not all of these tests are performed routinely. Ultrasound helps characterize the nodules and determine, based on their size and appearance, whether a fine-needle aspiration is indicated[1,2].
Who is InstaDiag Thyroid intended for?
InstaDiag Thyroid is intended for individuals in whom one or more thyroid nodules have been detected and who require specialized evaluation. This care pathway may be recommended when a physician wishes to determine the nature of the nodule and establish a course of action.
Not all thyroid nodules require fine-needle aspiration or surgery. The evaluation takes into account the characteristics of the nodule, any available test results, the patient’s medical history, and any potential risk factors[1].
It is helpful to bring any previous or recent test results: ultrasounds, scintigraphy, blood tests, consultation reports, or other test results. Your medical and surgical history, as well as a list of current treatments, should also be provided.
You do not need to fast for the InstaDiag Thyroid screening. However, specific instructions may be provided depending on the scheduled tests or any ongoing treatments.
Patients should disclose any use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, before a bone marrow aspiration. Medical advice may be necessary to adjust the instructions accordingly.
A fine-needle aspiration is performed using a very thin needle and usually takes just a few seconds. You may be asked not to swallow or speak during the procedure.
After the diagnosis: What's the next step?
At the end of the process, a benign nodule may be monitored, while a suspicious or malignant nodule requires specialized care. The decision depends on the results of the ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration, the patient’s medical history, and the discussion with the team. If necessary, follow-up appointments are scheduled, and a report is sent to the physicians designated by the patient.
Schedule an appointment for InstaDiag Thyroid
The InstaDiag Thyroid care pathway is intended for individuals with one or more thyroid nodules requiring specialized evaluation. If your situation meets the criteria for this pathway, you can submit a request for an appointment along with any tests you have already had done, so that the teams can prepare for your consultation and evaluation.
Bibliography
[1] Haute Autorité de Santé. Thyroid Nodules: How Should They Be Evaluated? 2021.
[2] French National Authority for Health. Evaluation of thyroid disorders in adults: relevance and quality criteria for ultrasound, relevance of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. 2021. https://www.has-sante.fr/
[3] National Cancer Institute. Thyroid Cancers: How Is the Diagnosis Made?
[4] Health Insurance. Thyroid Nodule: The Workup.