Ultrassom 360°
GeneralUpdated on August 12, 2026

Incidental thyroid nodule — characterization and risk stratification

Doppler ultrasound of a thyroid nodule
Patient

Patient, female, 42 years old, asymptomatic.

Clinical indication

Incidental finding of a cervical nodule on routine physical exam, referred for thyroid ultrasound.

Technique

High-frequency linear transducer, B-mode assessment in transverse and longitudinal planes, with color Doppler.

Ultrasound findings

Solid, hypoechoic nodule with irregular margins, taller than wide, measuring 1.2 cm in the right lobe, without macrocalcifications.

Doppler

Predominantly central vascularity on color Doppler.

Differential diagnosis

Atypical colloid nodule · Follicular adenoma · Papillary carcinoma

Final diagnosis

Nodule classified as TI-RADS 4, with indication for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

Key points

  • Irregular margins and a taller-than-wide shape carry the most weight in risk stratification.
  • The TI-RADS classification guides the choice between follow-up and biopsy — it does not replace clinical judgment.
  • Size alone does not define malignancy; morphology is the central criterion.

Illustrative, anonymized case for educational purposes only. Does not represent a real patient and does not replace individualized medical evaluation.

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