- Suspicious clinical findings: Rapidly growing, firm mass, thyroid asymmetry, cervical lymphadenopathy, recent onset hoarseness/ vocal cord paralysis
- Palpable firm thyroid nodule: FNAC of thyroid nodule
- Palpable firm cervical lymph node: FNAC of node +/- thyroid nodule
- Factors that may be considered in addition to above suspicious clinical findings: Prior thyroid cancer, radiation exposure, 1st degree relative with thyroid cancer of MEN2, FDG avid on PET scan, thyroid cancer associated history e.g. familial adenomatous polyposis, Carney complex, Cowden syndrome
- If FNAC not indicated, repeat exam after 6-12 months; if stable for 1-2yrs, then consider review at 3-5 yearly intervals
Developing World Clinical Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer
African Head & Neck Society (AfHNS) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Head & Neck Cancers in Developing Countries and Limited Resource Settings 