TIRADS whose full meaning is Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System is a rating system that tends to put thyroid nodules into separate categories as dependent on the risk it has of becoming cancerous.
The basis on which this categorization is done is achieved via features that the nodule displays when observed under ultrasound imaging.
The TIRADS system enables the standardization of the process and procedure that brings about the assessment and management of thyroid nodules.
Meanwhile, thyroid nodules are usually unwarranted growths or lumps that are present within the thyroid gland. Many of these nodules will not stress you but a few of them can become very problematic.
The nodules that are rated as TIRADS 2 (TR2) will often not cause any harm or pose any serious threat to your health. They are described as “not suspicious”.
However in this article, you’ll be getting to know if there’s a probability of TIRADS 2 nodules to later become cancerous, coupled with insights from related contents.
Key Takeaway:
- TIRADS 2 nodules are considered benign, meaning they have a very low risk (less than 2%) of being cancerous.
- No biopsy is usually required for TIRADS 2 nodules due to their extremely low malignancy risk.
- These nodules often have simple cystic or spongiform appearance, which is typical of non-cancerous thyroid growths.
- Routine monitoring with ultrasound may be recommended, but no aggressive intervention is needed.
- Although rare, any sudden changes in size or characteristics should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Can TIRADS 2 Become Cancerous?
Nodules categorized under TIRADS 2 often come with a very low risk of becoming cancerous and the features or characteristics that the nodules show by observing them using ultrasound imaging have non-cancerous growths.
For more information, check out here and here.
The low-risk affirmation of TIRADS 2 nodules basically indicates that it does not require any immediate follow-up or aggressive monitoring.
In spite of the fact that these nodules are rated “not suspicious” and have a very low risk of becoming cancerous, you cannot completely rule out the possibility of becoming cancerous, even though such cases are very rare.
This is why the TIRADS rating system is a valuable tool with a major goal of ensuring that nodules are adequately distinguished according to their risk of malignancy which is decided based on the ultrasound features they display.
For TIRADS 2 nodules, they usually display features like being purely cystic or spongiform. When this is adequately done, it’s easier to affirm that your thyroid nodule is benign and will not cause you any problems.
However, you must know with emphasis that the risk assessment service offered by the TIRADS rating system is based on imaging features and it’s not accountable for all other factors including the patient history, genetic predisposition, or biochemical markers.
So for things not to go wrong a comprehensive evaluation is required and an adequate management plan must be decided as specific to your thyroid condition.
For more information, check here and here.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen from this article you cannot entirely rule out the possibility of a TIRADS 2 nodule becoming cancerous even though this occurrence is very rare. Adequate rating of your thyroid nodule must be done so as to help you receive the appropriate care on the basis of the risk profile associated with your nodule.
Ordinarily, TIRADS 2 nodules will not require any aggressive follow-up but it’s still advisable to manage your condition by periodically involving in a follow-up with ultrasound to closely track any form of change in either the size or appearance of your nodule.
By doing this, any potential change will be tracked, detected on time and be effectively managed for things not to go wrong.
Until there’s a significant change in the nature and characteristics of your nodule that indicates a dysfunction or malignancy, that’s when you will need regular biopsies or constant interventions.
Reference
- Eleonora Horvath, Sergio Majlis, Ricardo Rossi, Carmen Franco, Juan P. Niedmann, Alex Castro, Miguel Dominguez, An Ultrasonogram Reporting System for Thyroid Nodules Stratifying Cancer Risk for Clinical Management, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 94, Issue 5, 1 May 2009, Pages 1748–1751. Retrieved from here
- Russ G, Trimboli P, Buffet C. The New Era of TIRADSs to Stratify the Risk of Malignancy of Thyroid Nodules: Strengths, Weaknesses and Pitfalls. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Aug 26;13(17):4316. doi: 10.3390/cancers13174316. PMID: 34503125; PMCID: PMC8430750.