Thyroid nodules are common. Clinicans evaluate thyroid nodules because they represent malignancy. Nodules are typically found on physical exam or incidentally when other imaging studies are performed. Malignant or symptomatic nodules that compress nearby structures warrant surgical exicision. Yet, the majority of thyroid nodules are asymptomatic and benign, so the thyroid surgeon must rely on diagnostic studies to determine when surgery is indicated. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for thyroid nodules, and the ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is preferred method for tissue sampling. Nodules one centimeter or larger, or nodules with suspicious sonographic appearance warrant cytologic analysis yo better quantify the risk of malignancy. Molecular biomarkers are powerful adjanct to cytology, as detecting malignancy preoperatively allows total thyroidectomy in a single operation without the need for frozen section or a second operation for completion thyroidectomy if malignacy is found during the initial thyroid lobectomy. In this review the thyroid nodules will be discussed in the light of guidelines.
Keywords: Thyroid nodules, treatment, diagnosis