The diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules: Consensus statement of the Indian Thyroid Society

Abstract

ABSTRACT Thyroid nodules are a common occurrence in the Indian population. The current management involving an individualized approach is increasingly becoming relevant instead of a broad diagnostic and management algorithm. The consensus statements derived in this article aim to provide a summary of the current medical evidence for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules, which assists in optimizing recommendations in the Indian setting. The task force of experts has provided inputs to address specific clinical questions in this consensus. The statements are formulated after a thorough analysis of several published studies and guidelines to address the screening, diagnosis, and management of thyroid nodules. A well-defined grading system is used to appraise the evidence and grade the strength of recommendations. This guideline covers risk stratification of thyroid nodules (differentiating benign from malignant lesions) and a guide to the use of fine-needle aspiration cytology to improve definitive management. The guideline covers evidence-based recommendations for the management of benign, cytologically indeterminate, and malignant thyroid nodules. The panel has also touched upon the aspects of nondiagnostic thyroid nodule management and intraoperative neuromonitoring. These evidence-based expert consensus statements can provide useful and practical insights to aid the practicing clinician.