Finite element analysis for simulating a hot thyroid nodule

Presents the theory supporting a new diagnostic method for a thermographic system. A finite element analysis of a hot thyroid nodule is developed and used for diagnosis utilizing thermal imaging. The new non-invasive diagnostic technique was applied to patients having Graves' diseases at the Indiana University (IU) Hospital, and compared with the existing scheme that utilizes I Scan. The results of the new diagnostic method were in very good agreement with the current existing method. The new technique is advantageous in that it can be safely applied to children and pregnant women, and is cost effective compared to the current techniques.