[Thyroid nodule pathology: proposal of a diagnostic approach based on the experience of a thyroid disease unit]

Thyroid nodules are commonly found in clinical practice, and their detection by either the physician or the patients always gives rise to concern as to the possible existence of a malignancy. Technological developments have had a major impact on the study and treatment of thyroid nodules. The application of fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) and the availability of high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography have modified thyroid nodule management even if important differences of opinion remain. This article describes the progress as well as contemporary controversies in thyroid nodule diagnosis and considers the effect these advances have had on the treatment of patients with nodular disease. It includes a brief description of the clinical importance of thyroid nodules, of the use and limitations of imaging studies in thyroid nodule diagnosis and of the usefulness, limitations, and impact of FNAB on nodule management.