[Management of thyroid nodule]

Thyroid nodules are often encountered in clinical practice. Although the vast majority are benign lesions, about 5% may actually be cancerous. The main problem raised by a solitary nodule of the thyroid gland is therefore the diagnosis of neoplasia. Several diagnostic techniques have been proposed to distinguish benign nodules from malignant nodules. These techniques vary in reliability. History taking, physical examination, laboratory studies and diagnostic imaging may help the physician to categorise the nodule but only fine-needle aspiration biopsy provide sensitive and specific results in the diagnostic process. The reliability of this technique is largely dependent on the experience of the person performing the biopsy and that of the cytopathologist interpreting it.