ABSTRACT
History taking as the authors call it is a scientific art that is rapidly being replaced by newer investigatory tools. Denying technological advances would be inappropriate yet forgetting basic surgical teachings would be equally ignorant. The authors have tried to bring discipline to the basics of surgical practice in the management of any tumor, in particular when it occurs in the thyroid. The authors have tried to strike a balance between resources restricted in an Indian-Asian scenario and what is appropriate in ideal affluent situations. The recommended questionnaire and recommended documentation may be helpful to trainees for completeness of clinical records. Authentically documented and collated information at various stages of thyroid disorder treatment can help formulate registries across the globe in different geographic and ethnic populations, which will then serve as an invaluable research tool.
