title: Thyroid disorders: evaluation and management of thyroid nodules.
abstract: Although thyroid nodules are a common clinical entity, few (5% to 10%) are malignant and require surgical treatment. Most nodules are discovered incidentally in patients undergoing surveillance for medical reasons unrelated to thyroid disorders. Therefore, a systematic approach to their evaluation is important to avoid unnecessary surgery. High-resolution ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration have resulted in substantial improvements in diagnostic accuracy, cost reductions, and higher malignancy yield at the time of surgery. In this article, the authors present practical guidelines and a suggested management strategy for the effective diagnosis and management of incidentally discovered thyroid nodules.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, PV-01, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. cohenj@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: James I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Kelli D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Salter
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography