Abstract: Methods of screening an individual for thyroid cancer or a potential for developing thyroid cancer, and for diagnosing thyroid cancer or a potential for developing thyroid cancer in an individual subject in need thereof includes: determining expression levels of at least one miRNA selected from a first group of specific miRNAs; compare the expression levels of the at least one miRNA from the first group with the expression levels of the corresponding miRNA established for a control individual not having thyroid cancer or nodular hyperplasia, and identifying differences in the miRNA expression levels between the at least one sample from said individual subject and miRNA expression levels established for a control individual not having thyroid cancer or nodular hyperplasia.