Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is a very effective examination for seeing nodules and assessing their risks (particularly cancer). The TIRADS classification (Thyroid Reporting Imaging And Data System) is used by the doctor who performs the ultrasound to express his diagnosis; depending on the TIRADS score, the use of a fine puncture will be recommended or not. The nodules of categories 3 and  4 are suspected of cancer; those classified in category 5 are almost always cancerous. In France, doctors sonographers use either the TIRADS system or the EU-TIRADS system which is a little different.