True or False: Hypoechoic halo on the periphery of a thyroid nodule are common with benign nodules.

The statement regarding the presence of a hypoechoic halo on the periphery of a thyroid nodule being common with benign nodules is accurate. In thyroid ultrasound imaging, a hypoechoic halo—or echogenicity that appears darker than the surrounding tissue—can signify the presence of a benign nodule. This halo often represents a rim of surrounding tissue that can indicate a reactive change, such as a colloid nodule, which is typically non-cancerous.

Benign nodules, including follicular adenomas and colloid nodules, often exhibit this characteristic because the enclosed fluid or colloid can cause a contrast in echogenicity. Additionally, the presence of a hypoechoic halo can reflect a well-defined border, which is a common feature of benign lesions, differentiating them from malignant nodules that often present with more irregular margins and heterogeneous echogenicity.

Understanding this feature is vital for making clinical decisions regarding the management of thyroid nodules, including the need for further investigation or monitoring.