TI-RADS is the international scoring system used to assess thyroid nodules on ultrasound. Here is what your TI-RADS score means.
What is TI-RADS?
Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System — a structured way to score nodules from TR1 (benign) to TR5 (highly suspicious).
What is measured
Composition (cystic, mixed, solid), echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci. Points are added to produce a TR category.
Action by category
TR1–2: no biopsy. TR3: biopsy if ≥ 2.5 cm. TR4: biopsy if ≥ 1.5 cm. TR5: biopsy if ≥ 1 cm and serial imaging if smaller.
Limitations
TI-RADS estimates risk but does not diagnose cancer — FNAC remains the definitive test.
What to ask your radiologist
Always request the TI-RADS category in your ultrasound report — it standardises decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
TI-RADS
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