[Management of a thyroid nodule].
Whenever a thyroid nodule is detected, the crucial question is whether it is benign or malignant. Apart from surgery, the most accurate assessment is provided by cytologic result. Provided the limitations and constraints of the procedure are understood, especially the need to repeat fine needle aspiration biopsy with time and to have the specimens read by highly experienced cytologists a significant number of surgical operations can be avoided according to circumstances. Except in some special cases, scintigraphy may be discarded because echography is more accessible, lest costly and more discriminating with regard to the surrounding parenchyma. Also, it is not necessary to prescribe hormonal therapy either before or after surgery, if the gland remains under euthyroid conditions; the epidemiological data available are not conclusive enough to justify such a prescription.