Thyroid nodules. A report on 320 cases
Groussin, P.; Brizon, J.; Planiol, T.; Benatre, A.; Renard, J.P.; Chavanne, D.; Beuzelin, J.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 56(5-6): 221-223
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 6243791 Document Number: 158182
An analytical study of 320 case reports of patients with one or more thyroid nodules, 246 of whom had been operated upon, revealed the presence of 32 cancers, 15 toxic nodules, and 195 inactive benign uni- or multilobular goitres. Complementary examinations (scintigraphy with technetium, thermography, ultrasonography) cannot definitely establish the benign nature of a nodule. As long as cytological examination after needle biopsy, which requires the services of a highly specialised cytologist, will not become a routine procedure, histological examination is essential for correct diagnosis. Any nodule should be excised, therefore, and the thyroid explored completely.