Solitary Thyroid Nodule

Thyroid nodule, ‘defined as discrete lesion in thyroid gland that is radiologically distinct from surrounding thyroid parenchyma’, is a common clinical entity. It may be clinically palpable or incidentally detected on imaging. In all thyroid swelling, there is a need to establish whether the swelling is symptomatic or asymptomatic, secreting excess thyroid hormone and harbouring malignancy or at risk of developing malignancy in the future. To answer these questions, all thyroid nodules must be assessed clinically, radiologically and by fine needle aspiration cytology. There is an individualised approach in patients who have benign and asymptomatic nodules, while in symptomatic, suspicious or malignant nodules, surgery is advisable.