Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide, and its incidence continues to increase. As such the approach to a recently identified thyroid nodule is important to understand. The relevant imaging, examination, and need for fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) are discussed. In approximately 25% of nodules, the diagnosis cannot be established with FNA-based cytology, and surgical excision is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Recent advances in genetic and molecular testing may increase the diagnostic accuracy of FNA in managing thyroid nodules.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.