title: [Benign thyroid nodules: diagnostic and therapeutic approach].
abstract: In the last years an increase in thyroid nodules detection has been reported from several epidemiological studies. This trend is largely due to the routine use of diagnostic sonography procedures in clinical practice. Thyroid nodules, both palpable or not palpable, rarely turn out to be malignant. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAc) plays a central role in establishing the nature of the nodule. Excluded the presence of malignant lesions, which are generally treated with surgery, physicians are faced with a variety of therapeutic options, and choosing the optimal approach can be a difficult task. These include a periodic follow-up alone without treatment, the iodine supplementation, the thyroid-hormone suppressive therapy, the radioiodine administration, the percutaneous ethanol injections, and the new technique of laser photocoagulation. In all cases, decisions on the management of benign thyroid nodules should always be based on clinical target and a careful analysis of benefits and risks to the patient.
authors.affiliation: II Clinica Medica, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Policlinico Umberto I, Università La Sapienza, Roma.
authors.forename: Cosimo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Durante
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cava
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paciaroni
authors.forename: Sebastiano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Filetti
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D013965:Thyroidectomy; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D000431:Ethanol; D013974:Thyroxine