['Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for distinguishing cancerous tissue from normal one. Our aim in this study was to establish tissue discriminant analysis for thyroid malignancy and benign samples intraoperatively using FTIR spectroscopy.', 'Seventeen papillary thyroid cancer and 43 nodular goiter tissues were obtained and underwent FTIR spectroscopy scanning intraoperatively. Nine peak positions were identified and assigned. Peak position values and wave intensity ratios were measured in every single spectrum. Data of malignant and benign groups were compared and equations of canonical discriminant analysis were established.', 'Peak positions of P1640, P1240, P1550, and peak intensity ratios of I3375/I1460, I1640/I1460, I1400/I1460, I1550/I1080, I1080/I1460, and I1640/I1550 of thyroid papillary carcinoma group are significantly different from nodular goiter group. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of the discriminants are 83.3%, 95.2%, and 91.67%, respectively.'] Do intraoperative detection of thyroid carcinoma by fourier transform infrared spectrometry?