[Clinical significance of nodular goiter]

The clinical characteristics of nodular goitres: relatively frequent (4-7%), diagnostic difficulties deriving from heterogeneity as well as the marked difference of treatment and prognosis. In the case of nodules the possibility of malignancy must always be considered, though the incidence is less than 5%. The pathogenesis of multinodular goitres has been discussed and the different endogen and exogen factors which are important in the development of autonomies. The different diagnostic possibilities, especially the fine-needle biopsy, ultrasonography and thyroid scan examinations have been made known. Besides treatment of toxic and non-toxic multinodular goitres as well as toxic adenoma and the practical tasks according to cold and hot nodules has been discussed.