Thyroid nodules: Testing and treatment

While it’s estimated that perhaps 50% of older adults have a thyroid nodule, only about 5% of these nodules are cancerous.

Still, it’s imperative to see your healthcare team for a definitive diagnosis. Thyroid cancers that are caught early and have not spread are more likely to be successfully treated.

“Most people with thyroid cancer do exceedingly well. It typically does not cause life-threatening problems,” says Victor Bernet, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida. “But it’s important to get individualized care.”