Excepting the presence of a compressive syndrome, there are no objective reasons for proposing a surgical resection exclusively based on size alone for large (3-4 or 5cm), cytologically benign nodules. A large size itself is neither a risk factor for malignancy nor does it result in a significantly larger number of false-negative results based on fine-needle aspiration cytology. Only a suspicious ultrasound appearance is likely to significantly increase the risk of false-negative results and should, in some cases, suggest performing either a new fine-needle aspiration cytology or diagnostic surgery.
What is already known about the topic?
Conflicting data exist in the literature regarding the need to propose systematic surgery to patients with thyroid nodules> 3 cm.
What does this article bring up for us?
A recent meta-analysis demonstrates that the large size of a nodule does not appear to be a risk factor for malignancy nor does it result in a significantly greater number of false negatives of the fine needle aspiration cytology.
Key Words
Large thyroid nodule, fine needle aspiration cytology, false negative