Scans and X-rays
What Does TI-RADS Mean on a Thyroid Ultrasound?
TI-RADS · say it: TYE-radzAlso written: Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System, TR category
Short answer
TI-RADS is a scoring system for thyroid nodules on ultrasound that helps decide whether a nodule needs a needle biopsy or follow-up.
What it means
TI-RADS stands for Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System. Several versions exist; a widely used one is from the American College of Radiology.
In that version, the radiologist gives points for features of the nodule, such as whether it is solid, how dark it looks, its shape, its edges and any bright spots. The total gives a category from TR1 (benign) to TR5 (highly suspicious).
The category and the nodule's size together guide the next step: no follow-up, a repeat ultrasound, or a fine needle aspiration (a needle test).
Where you may see it
- Thyroid ultrasound reports
- Endocrinology and ENT clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
Left lobe nodule, 1.6 cm, ACR TI-RADS TR3.
🙅 What it does not mean
- A higher TI-RADS category does not mean cancer. It means a closer look may be worthwhile.
- TR3 or TR4 does not always mean a biopsy. Size also matters.
- Most thyroid nodules are benign.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “TI-RADS”
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🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “TI-RADS” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- RadiologyInfo.org ↗
Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.