Thyroid nodules in childhood: indications for biopsy and surgery.

ABSTRACT

Aims of this commentary is to report the most recent views about epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, malignancy risk factors and clinical management of thyroid nodules in children. On the basis of our personal experiences and recent literature evidences, we conclude that a) if nodule is accompanied by lymphadenopathy and/or other alert findings, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) should be recommended; b) if no lymphadenopathy and no other clinical and ultrasonographic alert signs are observed, work-up can progress to FNAB only if nodule persists or grows over time, even under levo-thyroxine therapy.