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Thyroid Ultrasound and Elastography

Combined high-resolution gray-scale ultrasound and tissue stiffness evaluation by elastography for risk-stratified characterization of thyroid nodules and biopsy decision support.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Thyroid Ultrasound and Elastography?

Thyroid ultrasound and elastography combine high-frequency linear probe (10-15 MHz) gray-scale and color Doppler imaging with tissue elasticity quantification using strain elastography (manual compression) or shear wave elastography (acoustic radiation force impulse).

Conventional ultrasound features assessed per TI-RADS — solid versus cystic composition, hyper-, iso-, hypo-, or markedly hypoechoic echogenicity, taller-than-wide shape, smooth versus ill-defined or extrathyroidal extension margins, and echogenic foci (microcalcifications, comet-tail artifacts).

Elastography quantifies stiffness — qualitative strain ratio (color-coded blue = hard, red = soft) or quantitative shear wave velocity in m/s or Young's modulus in kPa; benign nodules typically <2.5 m/s or <40 kPa whereas malignant nodules typically >2.85 m/s or >65 kPa, with 75-90% sensitivity and 80-95% specificity for malignancy.

Symptoms

Palpable thyroid nodule on physical examination
Incidentally detected thyroid nodule on imaging
Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN syndromes
Pediatric thyroid nodule (higher malignancy risk)
Prior head and neck radiation exposure
Persistent cervical lymphadenopathy
Indeterminate cytology requiring further risk stratification

Risk Factors

Female sex (greater nodule prevalence)
Age over 60 years (decreased nodule but increased malignancy risk)
Iodine deficiency or excess
Prior radiation exposure to head and neck
Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto)
Ethnic predisposition and genetic syndromes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Newly palpable thyroid nodule
  • Rapidly enlarging or symptomatic thyroid mass
  • Indeterminate FNA cytology requiring risk stratification
  • TI-RADS 3-5 nodule planning surveillance versus biopsy
  • Family history of thyroid cancer with nodules
  • Pre-surgical planning for thyroidectomy or lobectomy
  • Post-treatment surveillance after thyroid cancer

Treatment Methods

01
High-frequency linear ultrasound probe with patient supine and neck extended
02
Systematic gray-scale TI-RADS feature assessment
03
Color and power Doppler vascularity evaluation
04
Strain elastography with manual graded compression
05
Shear wave elastography with quantitative velocity and Young's modulus
06
TI-RADS scoring with elastography modifier
07
Recommendation for FNA biopsy versus surveillance based on combined assessment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.