• Dagmar Führer, Andreas Bockisch, and Kurt Werner Schmid.
• Clinic for Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, University of Duisburg-Essen.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012 Jul 1; 109 (29-30): 506-15; quiz 516.

BackgroundThyroid enlargement and thyroid nodules are common in the general population. This review concerns their proper diagnostic assessment and treatment.MethodsWe selectively reviewed the literature from 1990 to 2012 and evaluated original articles and reviews retrieved from the PubMed database, as well as the recommendations of the following specialty societies: the German Societies of Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin), the German Working Group for Endocrine Surgery (Chirurgische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Endokrinologie, CAEK), the European Thyroid Association, and the American Thyroid Association.ResultsThere have been very few randomized trials concerning the diagnosis and treatment of goiter. Nodular goiter can be managed by watchful waiting, drug treatment (initially with levothyroxine and iodide), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.ConclusionMany patients with nodules need no treatment at all. Treatment is indicated, however, if the patient is symptomatic and/or has an autonomously functioning ("hot") nodule, or if cancer is suspected. Potentially cancerous nodules must be operated on. If euthyroid nodular goiter is to be treated with the main goal of size reduction, either surgery or radioactive iodine therapy can be used. Drug treatment is an option for small nodules or goiters, but iatrogenic hyperthyroidism must be avoided at all costs. The type of follow-up that is required depends on the chosen treatment.

14 keywords...

hide…