I have a nodule on my thyroid. Should I be worried about cancer?

Thyroid nodules are extremely common present in up to 50% of adults and the vast majority are completely benign. The chance of a thyroid nodule being malignant is generally around 5–10%. When a nodule is found, we assess it with an ultrasound to evaluate its characteristics, and if indicated, a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is performed under ultrasound guidance. This is a simple, minimally uncomfortable procedure done by the radiologist. Based on the ultrasound pattern and biopsy results, validated classification systems determine whether monitoring, further investigation, or surgery is needed. Most thyroid cancers, when they do occur, are among the most treatable and the long-term prognosis is excellent for the majority of thyroid cancer types.