For evaluating a thyroid nodule before a surgical procedure, which test is used?

• A. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
• B. CT scan
• C. Ultrasound
• D. MRI

Answer: (B)

Ultrasound is the primary test used to evaluate a thyroid nodule before surgery. It gives a detailed picture of the nodule’s size, composition (solid versus cystic), margins, echogenicity, presence of calcifications, and any suspicious lymph nodes. This information helps determine which nodules look worrisome and should be sampled with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to obtain cytology. The biopsy result then guides surgical planning—whether the nodule is benign or malignant and what extent of surgery may be needed. CT and MRI aren’t first-line for initial evaluation of nodules; CT is reserved for assessing extension into surrounding structures in certain scenarios, and MRI is rarely needed for routine assessment.