Progress in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules: managing uncertainties and the ultimate role for molecular investigation

The preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules currently relies on a clinical assessment of risk factors and an algorithm based on imprecise tests. With serum TSH, thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with or without ultrasound guide, accounting for the routine initial evaluation, indeterminate aspirates remain the major obstacle for confidently advising patients whether to have surgery or not. Recent clinical guidelines have...