[Normally functioning goiter: reflections on the clinical course. A 30-year follow up]

Among the 984 patients suffering from thyroid pathology observed in our Department between 1956 and 1964, we took into consideration the 184 patients who having been diagnosed as having a normally functioning goitre, were not given any treatment. We chose 88 patients living in our region, under 60 years old: 55 of these were included in our study. The long period involved--30 years--allowed us to check the natural course of this pathology, which was shown to be totally benign as well as frequent, and unconnected with other pathologies. Only in one case, at a distance of 20 years, did a neoplasia arise. The evaluation of the results justifies a decision of non-intervention, while recognising the paramount importance of a correct diagnosis, already possible with the diagnostic instruments then available.