If I am over age 35, and discovered that I have a 1.5cm or smaller thyroid nodule and no previous history of neck radiation or family history of thyroid cancer, do I need to have periodic imaging to make sure it doesn't turn into cancer?

Question:

If I am over age 35, and discovered that I have a 1.5cm or smaller thyroid nodule and no previous history of neck radiation or family history of thyroid cancer, do I need to have periodic imaging to make sure it doesn’t turn into cancer?

Answer:

No

MedHead Confidence Score: 7

Amount Saved: $500 cost of thyroid ultrasound post

Med-O-Meter

MedHead Message:

Over half of the adult population has some sort of identifiable thyroid nodule, yet thyroid cancer remains extremely low. Your chance of dying of it is even much lower. Save yourself the $500 thyroid ultrasound and treat yourself to a shopping day at the upscale shops!

References:

1. http://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/acr-ultrasound-for-incidental-thyroid-nodules/ 2. https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-ultrasound