Preoperative ultrasound study of differentiated thyroid cancer: relevant aspects for its optimal performance. Pictorial essay.

Differentiated thyroid cancer has an increasing incidence in recent years, but its mortality remains low. In this context, a preoperative ultrasound study is fundamental; it makes a difference due to its ability to adequately characterize local involvement, the presence of extrathyroidal extension and lymphatic metastases. A preoperative study can help to decide the best therapeutic measures and thus avoid adding greater morbidity to patients. In this article we present the relevant aspects to consider in the preoperative ultrasound evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer and representative images of the main findings that can be found.