Are thyroid nodules cancer?

Thyroid nodules are common but usually are not cancer. A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that may be solid or fluid-filled. A doctor may find one during a routine medical exam.

Thyroid nodules usually don't cause symptoms or need treatment. Only a small number of thyroid nodules are diagnosed as cancer.

When a thyroid nodule is found, an ultrasound of the thyroid and a fine-needle biopsy are often done to check for signs of cancer. Your healthcare team can explain which tests are right for you and what the results mean.