[Medical images; the clinical significance of the medical images of thyroid cancer].

Supplementary diagnosing methods for thyroid cancer were discussed, with particular reference to medical images. Although palpation is, of course, essential in the examination of nodules, we have also used soft X-rays and I-123 scintigraphy, as well as Tl-201 scintigraphy, ultrasonography and aspiration biopsy. In addition, various diagnosing methods have been employed to determine the degree of invasion in advanced cancer patients, such as CT scan for observing invasion of the surrounding tissues, naso-tracheoscopy for invasion of the trachea and a flow meter for vascular tracts. When the tumor size is under 2 cm, we use soft X-rays, ultrasonography and sometimes try additional aspiration biopsy. When the tumor is smaller, aspiration biopsy is employed with ultrasonography. For tumors larger than 2 cm, we use soft-X-rays, I-123 scintigraphy and ultrasonography. Tl-201 scintigraphy is employed to determine operative indication, following which aspiration biopsy and CT scan are performed. CT scan, tracheofiberscopy and doppler flow studies are carried out for advanced cancer cases to determine the degree of invasion of carcinomas.