Evaluation of a thyroid nodule.
Solitary thyroid nodules are common entities and the majority of these are benign. The main goal in evaluating these nodules is to identify the [figure: see text] nodules with malignant potentials. A multitude of diagnostic tests is available to the clinician. FNA biopsy is now considered the gold standard diagnostic test in the evaluation of a thyroid nodule. Ultrasound and nuclear scans are also useful tests, but are best used in conjunction with FNA. Clinical decisions are often based on the results of the FNA. A diagram of the clinical decision process based on FNA findings is presented in Fig. 1. Despite the clinical advantages that are provided by the FNA results, the clinician should not dismiss the importance of other clinical prognostic indicators to optimize timely treatment.
Kim
Namou
N
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Lavertu
Pierre
P
D000465:Algorithms; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D006801:Humans; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery