Thyroid nodules are evaluated using ____ & _____. They are distinguished as being either hot or cold. What is the difference? Which is more likely to be malignant?
a) MRI and PET scan; Hot nodules show increased radioactive iodine uptake, while cold nodules show decreased uptake. Cold nodules are more likely to be malignant.
b) FNA - fine needle aspiration & thyroid ultrasound; Hot nodules show decreased radioactive iodine uptake, while cold nodules show increased uptake. Cold nodules are more likely to be malignant.
c) CT scan and X-ray; Hot nodules show decreased radioactive iodine uptake, while cold nodules show increased uptake. Hot nodules are more likely to be malignant.
d) FNA - fine needle aspiration & thyroid scan; "Cold" nodules show decreased radioactive iodine uptake, while "hot" nodules show increased uptake. Cold nodules are more likely to be malignant.