Thyroid nodules are common and frequently benign. Current evaluation b
y fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is efficacious and cost-effectiv
e. Results of FNA series confirm that this procedure is safe, without
serious complications, reliable, and relatively easy to perform. Radio
isotope scanning and high-resolution ultrasonography are used in speci
al circumstances and not as routine diagnostic tests. When FNA biopsy
is applied, benign nodules (75%) are followed medically, and suspiciou
s (20%) or malignant (5%) nodules are excised surgically. Overall, FNA
biopsy of thyroid nodules has improved surgical selection, resulting
in a 25% reduction in thyroidectomies for benign nodules.