[Cold nodules of the thyroid gland. Therapeutic strategy, histopathological results and postoperative events (author's transl)]. / Les nodules froids de la glande thyroïde. L'attitude thérapeutique, les résultats histopathologiques et les suites opératoires.

Isotopic investigation of the thyroid disorders has brought up the notion of cold areas. These cold foci may exist in a goiter or in an otherwise normal gland (isolated cold nodules). A number of these are cancers, especially the isolated nodules. Thus the best treatment is the systematic resection of the area containing the lesion: i.e. subtotal thyroidectomy for a goiter and partial thyroidectomy for isolated cold nodules. The technique is described. We prefer the delayed histological analysis which is more reliable. It will command the following treatment, for instance a total resection in case of cancer. Histological analyses of resected specimens are presented. The postoperative results are examined: there are few complications either early or late. When systematically researched, postresection hypothyroidism is rare.