[Thyroid nodules. A report on 320 cases (author's transl)].

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.