Table 2 Recommendations for diagnostic FNA based on size and US features [1, 35–37, 85, 86, 118–120]

A. Nodules ≥ 1 cm with intermediate or high suspicion US pattern

B. Nodules ≥ 1.5 cm with low suspicion US pattern

C. Nodules ≥ 2 cm with very low suspicion US pattern (e.g., spongiform). Observation an alternate option.

D. For nodules that do not meet the above criteria, FNA is not required, including nodules < 1 cm (with some exceptions) and purely cystic nodules.

 ATA Guidelines 2015