How common are thyroid nodules?
Very common. Many are found by chance on scans done for other reasons. More than 90 percent of thyroid nodules are benign.
How nodules are checked
- Blood tests, starting with TSH
- A thyroid ultrasound to look at size and features
- A risk score, such as ACR TI-RADS, based on how the nodule looks
- A fine needle biopsy only when size and features call for it
- Molecular testing in some cases when biopsy results are unclear
What happens next
Many nodules only need repeat ultrasounds over time. Some nodules that make too much hormone are treated like hyperthyroidism. If cancer is found or strongly suspected, we work with experienced thyroid surgeons.