46 y/o female with palpable thyroid nodule in the right lobule (arrows). In the 99mTc pertecnetate image it is seen a cold area in the lower two thirds of the right lob in the thyroid gland. Size 3 x 4 cm.
Tc 99m thyroid scintigraphy is a sensitive and specific tool for localization of small nodules and defining their function. No or low uptake is associated in 5% to 15% with malignancy. On the other hand, increased concentration in nodule is more common in benign conditions.
References:
1 Lind P, Kohlfürst S. Respective roles of thyroglobulin, radioiodine imaging, and positron emission tomography in the assessment of thyroid cancer.Semin Nucl Med. 2006 Jul;36(3):194-205.
2
Degrossi OJ et al. Diagnóstico del Bocio Nodular, p: 691-176 in: Medicina Nuclear Aplicaciones Clínicas. Eds: I. Carrio -
P. González. Editorial Masson, Barcelona España, 2003.