Malignant vs Benign ultrasound features of Thyroid nodules

Malignant vs Benign ultrasound features of Thyroid nodules

The following features should be assessed: Echogenicity, margins, shape, calcification, composition, vascularity, halo Sign, lymph node involvement and growth Pattern

Malignant features

Hypoechoic or markedly hypoechoic

Irregular, ill-defined, spiculated, or lobulated

Taller than wide (measured in transverse plane)

Microcalcifications (punctate, bright echoes) - most specific finding associated with malignancy (~95%)

Solid or predominantly solid

Increased internal vascularity (centrally located)

Absent or incomplete halo

Rapid growth

Benign features

Isoechoic or hyperechoic

Well-defined, smooth

Wider than tall (measured in transverse plane)

Macrocalcifications or no calcifica...