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An update on the management of thyroid nodules: rationalising the guidelines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 November 2022

L Q Li ,
O Hilmi Open the ORCID record for O Hilmi [Opens in a new window] ,
J England  and
N Tolley
L Q Li
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland
O Hilmi*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland
J England
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
N Tolley
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Corresponding author: Mr Omar Hilmi; Email: omar.hilmi@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background

Guidance for the management of thyroid nodules has evolved over time, from initial evaluation based predominantly on clinical grounds to now including the established role of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology in their assessment. There is, however, significant variation in the management of thyroid nodules depending on which national guidelines are followed. In addition, there are certain clinical situations such as pregnancy and paediatric thyroid nodules that have differing evaluation priorities.

Objectives

This review aimed to provide an overview of currently accepted practices for the initial investigation and subsequent management of patients with thyroid nodules for the non-specialist. The review also addresses areas of variance between the systems in common clinical use, as well as newer, evolving technologies, including molecular testing in the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Keywords

Thyroidthyroid nodulethyroid cancerultrasound imagingradiologydiagnosisPediatricsOtorhinolaryngology
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 137 , Issue 9 , September 2023 , pp. 965 - 970
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Mr O Hilmi takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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