Elna obtained her MBChB degree (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa) in 1998. She relocated to Christchurch, New Zealand in 2001 where she later took up physician training obtaining FRACP (Gen Med) in 2009 and FRACP (Endocrinology) in 2010. She did a short stint in General Medicine in Christchurch before moving to Alice Springs in 2011 where she is the lead Endocrinologist and a general medical consultant. Her areas of particular interest are indigenous medicine, diabetes mellitus and thyroid. She is currently embarking on a study to assess the iodine nutrition status and thyroid function in pregnant women in urban and remote Central Australia.
ABSTRACT Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem. In the modern world of ultrasound technology, thyroid nodules are diagnosed 5-10 times more frequently (often incidental and asymptomatic) than used to be the case by palpation. Thus the work - up and management is of major importance. Significant scientific advances have occurred in the field. The aim of this talk is to discuss initial evaluation, risk stratification of thyroid nodules and criteria for FNA biopsy, interpretation of FNA biopsy, molecular markers, management and when to refer to a specialist. Reference will be made to where management differs during pregnancy. As time allows some cases will be discussed. |
