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 the 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 the wishes of the patient into consideration. Thus, the present guidelines aim at providing a clinical practice guide for the initial workup and the subsequent management of adult individuals harboring 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 panelists and updating aspects of a number of previous European Thyroid Association guidelines.

随着敏感成像技术（包括颈部可视化）的广泛使用，大量甲状腺结节出现并需要引起注意。大多数病变是良性的、无症状的，不需要治疗。就癌症诊断而言，大多数是小型甲状腺内惰性肿瘤，可以安全地进行保守治疗。考虑到患者的意愿，迫切需要更具成本效益、适应风险的方法来管理这种高度流行的疾病。因此，本指南旨在为患有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，这些指南无意涵盖甲状腺恶性肿瘤的治疗。该手稿和具体建议是通过协调最佳可用研究证据与小组成员的知识和临床经验以及更新一些先前的欧洲甲状腺协会指南的各个方面而制定的。