Nontoxic Nodular Goiter

Microscopic examination following surgical excision is the only reliable way to determine whether thyroid nodules unassociated with thyroiditis are benign or malignant. The distinction cannot be made by scintiscanning, although this technic is valuable for other reasons. In light of present knowledge the risk of operation for nontoxic nodular goiter must be weighed against the risk of malignancy. Adults with well-defined thyroid nodules may be treated with desiccated thyroid for a few months; all thyroid nodules in children should be removed.