Is it usual to have a fine needle biopsy of thyroid nodules before surgery?

Usually: It is a very common procedure to have a fine needle biopsy of a thyroid nodule first, to see if surgery is indicated. I guess that it could possible that if the thyroid nodule is so large that needle biopsy would not be helpful and surgery performed first.

Yes: Nowadays, virtually all nodules (except those that are causing hyperthyroidism) should have a needle biopsy before surgery. Some nodules that are small and benign appearing may not need biopsy, but they do not require surgery either, and some large goiters are removed for symptoms. The biopsy eliminates the need for surgery in many patients and can tailor the correct operation in others.

Yes in most cases: Since 10-15% o people have thyroid nodules, the fna gets a sample that allows the patient and doctor the opportunity to decide if removal is needed. Also prepares better for total flan removal of cancer is found.

Yes: Its considered the standard of care.

Yes: In this day and age a fna is nearly always performed before surgery.