Nodular goiter is a clinically recognizable restricted structure change of the thyroid gland. FNA is the first line diagnostic test for an enlarged thyroid gland. TSH is known as a thyroid growth factor, but the pathogenic role of this hormone in thyroid oncogenesis is unclear.

Clinical examination is the basis of a good assessment of a patient with Graves’ orbitopathy. This study gives recommendations of the European orbitopathy group related to the activity and severity of the disease. The activity of the disease is estimated on the basis of inflammation of the soft tissues and the sum of clinical activity is used here. Severity of the disease is estimated by measuring exophthalmos, palpebral aperture, infection of soft tissues, extraocular muscles, corneal infection and optical nerve.

The quality of life of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) may be seriously damaged due to the changes in appearance, working abilities and everyday activities. The reasons for the deterioration in quality of life in GO are proptosis, diplopiae and/or eyesight obstructions, as well as inflammatory changes in the soft tissues of the eye and eyelids. That is why the European Group for Graves’ orbitopathy (EUGOGO) have developed a special questionnaire with the aim to establish a standardised evaluation of how GO affects quality of life.

The development of knowledge about the appearance, nature, origins and outcomes of the orbit and eye disorders in thyroid gland diseases has been very slow with a number of dilemmas, controversies and side tracks. It is interesting that the first reliable descriptions of this unity come from a lawyer and not from a doctor. Later contributions of Arab doctors and philosophers greatly improved medical theory and practice.