[Examination strategy for thyroid nodules]

Thyroid nodules are common disease in general population. The current gold standard for diagnosis of thyroid nodules is ultrasonographic screening and fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology under ultrasonography. Laboratory testing for thyroid function should be examined in order to discriminate non-functioning nodules from autonomous functioning thyroid nodule, combination with Graves' disease, chronic thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis. Thyroid scintigraphy is necessary when the thyroid function test shows abnormal values. Neck X-ray can detect presence or absence of calcification and tracheal shift or stenosis due to the thyroid nodule. Neck MRI and CT are useless examination for thyroid nodule except for giant goiter or intrathoracic goiter. In this article, we present a current, rational diagnostic strategy to the patients with a thyroid nodule.