Curriculum · Metabolic and Endocrine and Diabetes Mellitus
Thyroid ultrasound risk stratification (TI-RADS)
What it is
Thyroid ultrasound in an adult is read for risk: some ultrasonographic features are associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer and others with a low risk, and the reading decides whether a nodule is monitored or goes to biopsy.
Causes and risk
The risk factors asked for in the history of a thyroid swelling are a family history of thyroid malignancy or of the named syndromes, a history of radiation exposure especially during childhood or living near nuclear factories, male gender, age extremes, and full body radiotherapy. The symptoms more suggestive of malignancy are a rapidly enlarging swelling and hoarseness of voice.