Objective To explore the value of sonographic characteristics of mummified thyroid nodules in differentiating from histologically proven papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), including conventional ultrasound (US), virtual touch imaging and quantification (VTIQ) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods Twenty-three mummified thyroid nodules and seventeen PTCs were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, shape, margin, echogenicity, calcification, posterior shadowing, black and white double halo, vascularity, VTIQ and CEUS parameters for each nodule. Results Of the 23 mummified thyroid nodules, 5 were confirmed as benign by surgery, 18 were proved as benign by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Univariate analysis indicated that mummified thyroid nodules more frequently showed presence of black and white double halo, peripheral or nodular vascularity, relatively softer stiffness with a lower shear wave velocity (SWV), hypo- or no enhancement, peak intensity index <1 and area under the curve (AUC) index <1 at preoperative US, VTIQ and CEUS than PTCs (all p<0.05). The VTIQ parameter of the SWV mean with a cutoff value of 3.69 m/s. Binary logistic regression analysis showed presence of black and white double halo, SWV <3.69m/s and peak intensity index <1 were independent characteristics related to mummified thyroid nodules for discriminating from PTCs (all p<0.05). Conclusions Mummified thyroid nodules may display shrinkage over time and reveal malignant sonograghic features. Mastering the ultrasound findings of these nodules and combining previous ultrasound findings are critical for detecting benign nodules from malignant nodules.