Table 2. Indications of surgery for patients with FN thyroid nodule recommended by the JTA clinical guidelines (7,61,64-66).

Large nodule >4 cm or local symptoms

Growing nodule

Suspicious US findings

Appearance of new suspicious lymph node

High serum thyroglobulin

Vocal cord dysfunction

Autonomously functioning thyroid nodule

Japanese clinicians do not decide surgery by cytological category alone. Patients with FN nodules undergo surgery after confirming any suspicious clinical features in this list or when the patients request resection. FN, follicular neoplasm; JTA, Japan Thyroid Association.