Baird Medical
A woman stands on a sunlit balcony looking toward an open sky, one hand resting near her neck

Understand your
thyroid nodule.
Know your options.

A thyroid nodule is a growth within the thyroid gland

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It makes hormones that help control how your body uses energy. Nodules can be solid, fluid-filled, or both. Ultrasound helps your doctor check a nodule’s size and appearance and decide whether more testing or follow-up is needed.²

Line illustration of the thyroid gland in the neck with a small nodule highlighted

Thyroid nodules are common

About50%

of all people have a thyroid nodule found by examination or imaging by the age of 60.¹ Over 90% are benign, and many do not cause symptoms.² Evaluation helps determine what, if anything, needs to happen next.

Most nodules do not cause symptoms

Many are found during routine exams or imaging. However, some can cause the symptoms shown below. If you notice any of these changes, discuss them with your physician.⁴

  • Soft line illustration of a side profile of the neck with the thyroid area outlined
    Visible neck swelling
  • Soft line illustration of a hand resting at the throat during a swallowing motion
    Trouble swallowing
  • Soft line illustration of a neck with gentle airflow lines near the thyroid
    Breathing-related pressure
  • Soft line illustration of a side profile with light sound waves at the mouth
    Voice change
  • Soft line illustration of a hand pressing gently at the base of the neck
    Neck pressure or discomfort

Simple exams and tests to guide your evaluation

Your physician may review a physical exam, thyroid blood testing, ultrasound imaging, and biopsy when appropriate. Not every patient needs every step.³

Line illustration of a clinician gently examining a patient's neck

Physical exam

Your physician may examine your neck and ask about pressure, swallowing, breathing, voice changes, or visible neck changes.

Line illustration of a blood sample tube beside a single drop

Thyroid blood testing

Blood tests help show how your thyroid is functioning by measuring thyroid hormone and related hormone levels.

Line illustration of an ultrasound monitor showing a thyroid, with a handheld probe

Ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound uses sound waves to show the nodule’s size, structure, location, and nearby anatomy. It can also help guide procedures when needed.

Line illustration of cells under a magnifier beside a review document

Biopsy, when appropriate

If more information is needed, a thin needle may collect a small cell sample from the nodule for microscopic evaluation.

Your evaluation helps shape the next step

A benign thyroid nodule may still need treatment when it causes symptoms, visible neck changes, cosmetic concern, or continued growth. Your next step could include microwave ablation, follow-up imaging, surgery, or continued monitoring. The right path depends on your symptoms, ultrasound findings, nodule behavior, and overall thyroid health.

Microwave ablation (MWA): a less invasive treatment option

For selected benign nodules, microwave ablation offers a targeted, image-guided way to treat nodule tissue while preserving the thyroid gland.

Learn about thyroid MWAPrepare for your doctor visit
  1. 01

    American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Nodules. Patient information.

  2. 02

    Mayo Clinic. Thyroid nodules: diagnosis and treatment. Patient care information. 2025.

  3. 03

    Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid Nodules. Health library article. 2022.

  4. 04

    MedlinePlus. Thyroid nodule. Medical encyclopedia entry. 2024.

Patient information note

Educational information only. This page does not provide medical advice and does not constitute a treatment recommendation. Patients should speak with a qualified healthcare provider about diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives relevant to their individual situation.