Thyroid Nodule
A thyroid nodule is a growth or lump in the thyroid gland, and many are benign.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is more important if the lump is growing quickly, causes breathing or swallowing trouble, or comes with major voice change or enlarged neck nodes.
Common symptoms
Many thyroid nodules cause no symptoms, but some are noticed as a neck lump, pressure when swallowing, hoarseness, or symptoms related to thyroid hormone imbalance.
When imaging helps
Ultrasound helps when a thyroid lump is felt, when blood tests suggest thyroid disease, or when doctors need to decide whether biopsy or follow-up is appropriate.
What radiology does
Ultrasound helps assess the nodule's size and appearance and can guide fine needle aspiration when needed.
What usually happens next
Some nodules are simply monitored, while others need biopsy, endocrine review, or surgery depending on their features and lab context.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related articles
Related scan guides
- Thyroid UltrasoundA Thyroid Ultrasound takes a close look at the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. This test provides a real-time window into your thyroid gland to evaluate its size and check for any lumps or nodules.
- Thyroid Uptake and ScanA thyroid uptake and scan is a nuclear medicine test that helps doctors check the size, shape, and function of the thyroid gland. It is often used for hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and follow-up of thyroid disease.
- Thyroid Biopsy (FNA)A Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is an extremely fast and simple procedure to check a nodule in your thyroid gland using ultrasound guidance — typically completed in under 20 minutes.