How common are they?
Nodules are common, and many are found by chance on a scan done for another reason. The great majority are not cancer.
What decides the next step
- The ultrasound appearance of the nodule
- Its size and whether it is growing
- Thyroid blood tests
- Symptoms such as a swallowing difficulty or a change in voice
- Family history of thyroid cancer or past radiation to the neck
Tests
- TSH blood test first. If it is low, a thyroid scan checks whether the nodule is overactive.
- Ultrasound, usually graded with a risk score such as TI-RADS.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) when the size or appearance calls for it. The result is reported in categories, which guide the next step.
Treatment
A benign nodule is usually followed with a repeat ultrasound. Treatment is considered when:
- cancer is found or strongly suspected
- the nodule presses on the windpipe or food pipe, or is large
- it makes too much thyroid hormone
- it is a significant cosmetic concern
Surgery is the usual option; radioiodine or other procedures can suit selected cases. Thyroid hormone tablets are not routinely used to shrink nodules.
See a doctor promptly if
a lump grows quickly, feels hard, causes a hoarse voice or swallowing trouble, or is accompanied by enlarged neck glands.
This guide is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation.