Abstract
Objective: To carry out a review of the literature regarding thyroid nodules, considering the importance of the diagnostic approach of the same. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out by consulting scientific articles indexed in the electronic databases LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE published in the period from 2003 to 2018, including free studies published in the last fifteen years in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Literature Review: The aim of the evaluation of thyroid nodules is to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions in view of the potential conservative treatment of benign nodules and the need for more aggressive intervention in malignant lesions (thyroidectomy). Anamnesis and physical examination should be obtained to characterize the nodule and evaluate the presence of cervical adenomegaly. Initially the TSH should be dosed; if elevated, thyroid scintigraphy is indicated. Thyroid ultrasonography is the most frequently used test to confirm clinical examination findings and guide fine needle puncture (FNAB). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are rarely indicated because they do not allow differentiation between malignant and benign lesions. FNAB is the best method to perform this differentiation, being considered a gold standard examination. Conclusion: It is important to study thyroid nodules, since the knowledge about the subject favors the early diagnosis of those suggestive of malignancy, improving the prognosis of the patient.