Usually you have already performed thyroid function tests and you already have an idea if they are hyperthyroid. Function nodules are autonomous if they continue to produce hormone despite TSH suppression. They are very easily treated with radioactive iodine because all of the radiation goes right to that overfunctioning nodule and wipes it out. The rest of the gland is protected because there is such a low TSH, it s not taking up any radiation. Very easy to treat with radioactive iodine.
Multinodular goiters are very common in middle aged females.
They are usually benign. They are usually not toxic. They re usually euthyroid but if they are toxic and they do need treatment, you could go with radioactive iodine or PTU, again for the hyperthyroidism of multinodular goiters. A scan is a good idea in a multinodular goiter, mostly because you want to rule out a dominant cold nodule, again, which might indicate malignancy. Graves disease, everybody knows about.