The size of a thyroid goiter can be clinically staged, which can be useful in epidemiologic studies.
Findings
Stage
no goiter; thyroid not palpable, or if palpable not larger than normal
0a
goiter detectable only by palpation; thyroid larger than normal; not visible even when the neck is fully extended
0b
goiter palpable; visible when the neck is fully extended; if a discrete nodule is palpable, then include in this stage
I
goiter visible when the neck is in its normal position; palpation not needed for diagnosis
II
large goiter recognizable from a considerable distance
III
monstrous goiters
IV
Limitations:
• Thyroid gland size based on physical examination correlates poorly with the volume determined on ultrasonography.
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Specialty: Endocrinology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
