Head and neck imaging: thyroid ultrasound: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Head and neck imaging: thyroid ultrasound

Sample item

Which ultrasound feature of a thyroid nodule is most suspicious for malignancy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Solid hypoechoic nodule with microcalcifications and taller-than-wide shape

Microcalcifications (punctate echogenic foci), marked hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, taller-than-wide shape and extrathyroidal extension suggest papillary carcinoma. Colloid cysts with comet tails and spongiform nodules are benign. Fine needle aspiration is used for tissue diagnosis.

Option by option

  • A. Isoechoic nodule with a thin halo

    An isoechoic nodule with a thin halo is low risk.

  • B. Solid hypoechoic nodule with microcalcifications and taller-than-wide shape (correct)

    Correct. These are the high-risk features of malignancy.

  • C. Spongiform nodule with a halo

    A spongiform nodule is benign.

  • D. Anechoic cyst with comet tail artefact

    A colloid cyst with comet tail is benign.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Solid hypoechoic nodule with microcalcifications and taller-than-wide shape. Microcalcifications (punctate echogenic foci), marked hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, taller-than-wide shape and extrathyroidal extension suggest papillary carcinoma.

Why is "Isoechoic nodule with a thin halo" not the answer?

An isoechoic nodule with a thin halo is low risk.

Why is "Spongiform nodule with a halo" not the answer?

A spongiform nodule is benign.

Why is "Anechoic cyst with comet tail artefact" not the answer?

A colloid cyst with comet tail is benign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck imaging: thyroid ultrasound in Radiology. Colloid cysts with comet tails and spongiform nodules are benign. Fine needle aspiration is used for tissue diagnosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck imaging: thyroid ultrasound?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.