FIG. 1. Algorithm for the evaluation of patients with one or more thyroid nodules.
a If the scan does not show uniform distribution of tracer activity, ultrasound may be considered to assess for the presence of a cystic component.
Reference: Thyroid. 2009 Nov;19(11):1167-214. Revised American Thyroid Association management guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. American Thyroid Association (ATA) Guidelines Taskforce on Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer, Cooper DS, Doherty GM, Haugen BR, Kloos RT, Lee SL, Mandel SJ, Mazzaferri EL, McIver B, Pacini F, Schlumberger M, Sherman SI, Steward DL, Tuttle RM.