Clinical presentation: A 49-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of complaints suggesting hypothyroidism.

Palpation: Both lobes were enlarged and nodular on palpation.

Functional state: euthyroidism (TSH 1.07 mIU/L).

Ultrasonography. The thyroid was echonormal. There were multiple nodules in both lobes including one containing hypoechogenic areas and hyperechogenic granules corresponding to microcalcifications.

Cytology resulted in benign, colloid goiter.

Suggestion: follow-up examination next time 2 years later.

Comment. This case illustrates the importance of the measurement of the entire lobes. The thyroid was composed of multiple nodules and it is impossible to measure reproducibly the single nodules. Moreover, as in most cases not the volume of a single nodule but that of the entire thyroid or that of a lobe will decide the issue of surgery. If we do not give the three diameters of each lobe than we divest the patient of the most important parameter for a follow-up investigation.