[Cold struma nodule--an absolute surgical indication?].

From 1969 to 1984 3,972 operations of the thyroid gland were performed. 3,540 scintigraphic findings were evaluated retrospectively. In 2,013 (57%) cases one or more so-called cold thyroid nodules were found. The malignancy rate in these nodules was 5.6%. The fine needle biopsy and cytology gave in 17.9% false-negative results. Based on a malignancy rate of 5.6%, rather high false-negative results of fine needle biopsy and acceptable postoperative complication rate we estimate strict operative indication.