Can a thyroid nodule classified as level 3 avoid surgery?
Jul 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
In general, whether surgery is required for a thyroid nodule classified as TI-RADS category 3 depends on the specific circumstances. Most thyroid nodules categorized as level 3 are benign and may not require surgical intervention if there are no obvious symptoms. However, surgery might be necessary if the nodule shows abnormal changes. To maintain thyroid health, regular ultrasound examinations are recommended even in cases where surgery is not performed.
Generally, whether surgery is needed for a thyroid nodule classified as TI-RADS category 3 depends on the specific circumstances. Most TI-RADS category 3 nodules are benign and may not require surgery if there are no obvious symptoms. However, surgery might be considered if the nodule shows abnormal changes. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If a TI-RADS category 3 nodule is small in size, causes no compressive symptoms, and ultrasound imaging shows a regular shape, clear boundaries, slow growth, and no abnormal changes during follow-up examinations, surgery is usually not necessary. In such cases, regular follow-up monitoring of the nodule is typically sufficient.
When a TI-RADS category 3 nodule is large enough to compress the trachea or esophagus, causing symptoms such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or dyspnea (difficulty breathing), or if significant growth or morphological abnormalities are detected during follow-up, raising suspicion of malignancy, surgical treatment may be required to prevent worsening symptoms or disease progression.
To maintain thyroid health, even in cases where surgery is not performed, regular ultrasound examinations are necessary to monitor changes in the nodule's size and morphology. It is also important to maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue, follow a balanced diet, reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods, and maintain emotional stability, thereby reducing the risk of adverse changes in the nodule through comprehensive management.
