Table 1 Ultrasonographic classification for thyroid nodule at Kuma Hospital

1

Round or anechoic lesion.

2

Regular-shaped nodule with cystic change. The echo level of solid lesion is similar to that of normal thyroid.

3

Solid and regular-shaped nodule. Internal echo is homogeneous, or may have strong echoes internally or at the capsule.

4

Solid and irregular-shaped nodule. Internal echo is usually low and may have fine strong echogenic spots.

5

Solid and irregular-shaped nodule with extrathyroid extension.