Approach to Thyroid Nodules: Managing thyroid disease through proper evaluation

Identification of a thyroid nodule initiates a series of investigations to establish a specific diagnosis, which will then allow for appropriate therapy. Blood tests are essential to establish thyroid function and to add support to the clinical diagnosis of thyroiditis. Imaging procedures are rarely necessary. Fine needle biopsy offers an effective tool to determine the cause of the nodule. Therapy will include either observation, thyroxine suppression, or surgery (which should be used sparingly).