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Thyroid nodule classification

Thyroid nodule ultrasound (TIRADS)classification                                           


Please select the characteristics of the nodule:
(Please select at least one option in each category. )
(Please select sequentially in each category for the classification to work properly. )




Composition: (Only choose one)   
Mixed cystic and solid                                          1  point
Solid or almost completely solid                        2  points



Echogenicity: (Only choose one)
Hyperechoic or isoechoic                                    1  point
Hypoechoic                                                            2  points
Very hypoechoic                                                    3  points


Shape: (Only choose one)                                                         
Wider-than-tall                                                     0  point
Taller-than-wide                                                   3  points


Margin: (Only choose one)
Smooth                                                                    0  point
Ill-defined                                                               0  point
Lobulated or irregular                                          2  points
Extra-thyroidal extension                                    3  points


Echogenic foci: (Choose All That Apply)
None or large comet-tail artifacts                      0 point
Macrocalcifications                                               1  point
Peripheral(rim) calcifications                             2  points
Punctate echogenic foci                                        3  points



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Notes:
COMPOSITION: If a nodule has spongiform composition, but the spongiform portion is < 50% of the nodular volume, please select mixed cystic and solid nodule.
Mixed cystic and solid nodule has both solid and cystic components. It does not matter which component composes the majority of the nodule.
If the composition of the nodule is indeterminate due to significant calcifications in the nodule, please select SOLID.
If a solid appearing nodule is suspected to be cystic filled with clot or debris, please further evaluate using Doppler.




ECHOGENICITY: Please assign points for echogenicity according to the solid component for mixed cystic and solid nodule. Echogenicity is compared to the adjacent normal thyroid parenchyma. VERY HYPOECHOIC means more hypoechoic than the strap muscles.


SHAPE: Shape should be assessed on a transverse image with measurement parellel to sound beam for height and perpendicular to sound beam for width. This can usually be assessed by visual inspection. Taller-than-wide is a good indicator for potential malignancy.


MARGIN: Lobulated: Protrusions into adjacent normal thyroid tissue. Irregular: jagged, spiculated or sharp angles. Extrathyroidal extension: obvious invasion into tissue surrounding the thyroid, good indication of potential malignancy. Assign 0 point if margin can not be clearly determined.


ECHOGENIC FOCI: Large comet-tail artifact: V shaped, > 1 mm long, common in cystic components. If the comet-tail artifact is < 1 mm, treat it as punctate echogenic foci. Macrocalcifications: Cause acoustic shadowing. If no shadowing, treat it as punctate echogenic foci. Peripheral(rim) calcifications do not have to be complete along the margin. If echogenic foci appear in spongiform nodule, treat the nodule as spongiform nodule.