Objective To discuss the ultrasonographic characteristics of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods All 132 cases treated in our hospital from Jan.2002 to May.2007 were examined by ultrasonography preoperatively. Ultrasonographic characteristics of benign and malignant nodules were retrospectively analyzed according to pathologic results. Results There were 118 benign nodules and 14 malignant nodules.The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was 80.4%. Conclusion Ultrasonography has an important value in the diagnosis and therapy of thyroid nodules.