With the widespread use of sensitive imaging techniques, which include neck visualization, a conspicuous number of thyroid nodules emerge and demand attention. Most lesions are benign, asymptomatic, and do not warrant treatment. In case of cancer diagnosis, most are small, intrathyroidal and indolent neoplasms that can safely be managed conservatively. There is a pronounced need for more cost-effective, risk-adapted approaches to the management of this highly prevalent condition, taking wishes of the patient into consideration. Thus, the present guidelines aim at providing a clinical practice guide for the initial work-up and the subsequent management of adult individuals harbouring thyroid nodules. Importantly, these guidelines are not intended to cover the management of thyroid malignancy. The manuscript and the specific recommendations were developed by reconciling the best available research evidence with the knowledge and clinical experience of the panellists and updates aspects of a number of previous European Thyroid association guidelines.

随着包括颈部可视化在内的敏感成像技术的广泛应用，出现了明显数量的甲状腺结节，需要注意。大多数病变为良性，无症状，不需要治疗。在癌症诊断的情况下，大多数是小的、甲状腺内和惰性肿瘤，可以安全地进行保守治疗。显然需要更具有成本效益、适应风险的方法来管理这种高发疾病，同时考虑患者的意愿。因此，本指南旨在为携带甲状腺结节的成人个体的初始检查和后续管理提供临床实践指南。重要的是，这些指南并不打算涵盖甲状腺恶性肿瘤的管理。手稿和具体建议是通过将现有的最佳研究证据与小组成员的知识和临床经验进行协调，并更新之前许多欧洲甲状腺协会指南的各个方面来制定的。