The Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

Thyroid noduler disease is a common clinical problem. A wide variety of pathologic conditions, including neoplastic, hyperplastic, and inflammatory diseases can lead to nodular enlargement of the thyroid. The high prevalence of thyroid nodules requires evidence-based rational strategies for their differential diagnosis, risk satisfaction, treatment, and follow-up. The main point of the approach of the thyroid nodule is detection of the malignant nodules and deciding for the surgical treatment. Physical examination, laboratory investigation, thyroid imaging and cytology can be used to evaluate thyroid nodules. After detection of thyroid nodule by physical examination or ultrasonography, thyroid function tests and fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy should be implemented. Although FNA cytology is gold standard method to evaluate thyroid nodules, experience is needed. Hence, if the information gathered from history, physical examination, US and other test results (Thyroid function tests, SC, CT, etc.) were integrated withFNA cytology, decision for surgery may be more accurate.