Thyroid Nodules

Approximately 5% of the population have a thyroid nodule that is visible or able to be felt on examination. Up to 65% of the population will have thyroid nodules that can be found on CT scans or Ultrasounds.

Approximately 5% of these nodules are cancerous.

All thyroid nodules of a certain size should be investigated to exclude the possibility of cancer. Even if shown to be non-cancerous, general recommendations will include surveillance for a number of years to ensure that they are not growing.

Initial assessment of thyroid nodules will usually include an ultrasound and blood tests.

The further management of thyroid nodules will depend on the findings of the test and may include biopsy, surveillance or surgery depending on the test results.

In some cases, despite normal biopsies, surgery may still be recommended for thyroid nodules depending on the characteristics of the nodule on ultrasound.