From the Research
No, follicular nodular disease and follicular adenoma are not the same. Follicular nodular disease, also known as nodular goiter or multinodular goiter, refers to an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules, which can be benign growths resulting from irregular thyroid growth and often caused by iodine deficiency or other factors affecting thyroid function 1. In contrast, follicular adenoma is a specific type of benign thyroid tumor that develops from follicular cells and typically appears as a single, encapsulated nodule. While both conditions involve nodular growth in the thyroid gland, they differ in their underlying pathology, presentation, and management. Follicular nodular disease presents with multiple nodules and general thyroid enlargement, whereas follicular adenoma is a distinct, solitary neoplasm. Treatment approaches differ as well, with follicular adenomas sometimes requiring surgical removal to rule out follicular carcinoma, while nodular goiter may be monitored or treated with medication depending on symptoms and thyroid function 2. The most recent study on the topic, published in 2023, highlights the importance of molecular testing in the differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasms, including follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma 1. Key points to consider include:
- Follicular nodular disease is a condition characterized by multiple nodules in the thyroid gland
- Follicular adenoma is a single, benign tumor that develops from follicular cells
- The two conditions have different underlying pathologies, presentations, and management approaches
- Molecular testing can aid in the differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasms, including follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma 1.