2016 Volume 67 Issue 4 Pages 272-277
In cases of autonomous functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN), a nodular lesion in the thyroid gland autonomously secretes hormones, causing thyrotoxicosis. We investigated 63 cases diagnosed with AFTN and surgically treated at Noguchi Thyroid Clinic and Hospital Foundation between 2004 and 2013. Thyrotoxicosis was treated by surgery in all cases, and no cases of permanent or transient recurrent nerve paralysis were observed. However, there were three and four cases (5% and 6%) of permanent and transient hypoparathyroidism, respectively. An investigation of the tissue type indicated that 31 (58%) of the 53 cases of single functioning nodule were follicular adenoma, and five (50%) of the 10 cases of multiple functioning nodules were adenomatous goiter. The functioning nodule was cancerous in three cases (5%). In 15 cases (24%), the functioning nodule was benign but cancer was present. Currently, the main types of treatment for AFTN are surgery and radioiodine therapy. Taking our findings into consideration, the type of treatment suitable for each AFTN case should be carefully selected.
