[Instrumental diagnosis for therapeutic decisions--what is possible and desirable, what is essential and what is superfluous--in goiter surgery].

In addition to patient history and clinical examination, the basis of thyroid diagnosis consists of bTSH measurement and ultrasound to provide information on function and morphology. Solitary nodules have to be differentiated into "cold" and "hot" by scintigraphy. For cold nodules, FNA cytology is strongly recommended. Immunogenic hyperthyroidism is proven by positive TRAK measurement. Thyroidal autonomy requires suppressive scintigraphy for morphologic guidance. Special imaging procedures like CT and MRT are reserved for special situations of retrosternal extension.