Fine needle aspiration is routinely performed as part of the assessment of thyroid nodules. It is generally regarded as a very safe procedure, though rarely significant bleeding can occur in its aftermath.
Nodular thyroid disease is common. Ultrasound examination of the neck for a variety of reasons has revealed a linear increase in the prevalence of thyroid nodules from negligible at 15 years to 50% by the age of 60. Only 10% of these nodules are palpable by experienced examiners. Conversely, 50% of patients referred to a thyroid clinic with an apparently solitary thyroid nodule will be found to have a multinodular goitre.
