Cervical Lipomas Masquerading as Thyroid Nodules

Masses in the thyroid gland can usually be distinguished from other anterior cervical masses by history, physical examination, and scintigraphic and ultrasonographic examination. We describe four cases of lipomas masquerading as thyroid nodules in which finding from these examinations were consistent with solid thyroid nodules. Computed tomography can distinguish fat from thyroid tissue density, thus avoiding the use of thyroid hormone suppression or the need for urgent surgery. ( JAMA 1985;253:1436-1437)