There are benign and malignant thyroid nodules, which can generally be judged on the basis of the high and low echogenicity of the nodule, the aspect ratio of the nodule section, the morphology of the nodule, the calcification of the nodule, the cystic solidity of the nodule, and the blood supply of the nodule.
1. High and low nodal echogenicity. When using an ultrasound machine for examination, there are high and low echogenicity of nodules, and for those with low, or very low, echogenicity, one needs to be alert for malignancy.
2. The aspect ratio of the nodule cross-section. A nodule with an aspect ratio greater than 1 indicates that the nodule is growing vertically, and a nodule with an aspect ratio less than 1 indicates that the nodule is growing horizontally, and a nodule that is growing vertically is generally more dangerous than a nodule that is growing horizontally.
3. The morphology of the nodule. Some nodules are smooth, some are very irregular, and irregular nodules are more likely to be malignant.
4. Calcification of nodules. If a nodule has microcalcifications, it has a higher chance of becoming cancerous, and there are some remaining types of calcified thyroid nodules that may be at risk for malignancy.
5. Cystic solidity of the nodule. Cystic nodules or cysts appear to be echogenic and essentially unchanging. If there is a solid portion inside the thyroid nodule, it needs to be evaluated promptly for possible malignant lesions.
6. The blood supply to the nodule. A stable blood flow in the nodule with abundant vascularity indicates a high degree of nodule malignancy.