title: Evidence-based evaluation of the thyroid nodule.
abstract: This article reviews the most current literature on thyroid nodule evaluation, with particular attention to the problem of the incidentally identified thyroid nodule. Although traditional risk factors for thyroid cancer, such as age, gender, and familial syndromes, are still important, the manner in which a thyroid nodule comes to attention is of great importance these days when considering how to proceed in a workup. Most thyroid nodules today are discovered through radiologic imaging tests performed for other reasons. This article covers the key considerations that are vital in balancing the risks and benefits of thyroid nodule workup and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Outcomes Group, 111B, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA; Section of Otolaryngology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, 35 Centerra Parkway, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA. Electronic address: louise.davies@va.gov.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fuit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Randolph
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Evaluation; Thyroid; Thyroid cancer; Thyroid neoplasm risk; Thyroid nodule