Diagnosis of Malignancy for Thyroid Nodule by Ultrasound Findings: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Thyroid diseases are, debatably, among the commonest endocrine disorders worldwide. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease including thyroid nodules, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. The ultrasonography is a non-invasive sensitive diagnostic in assessing thyroid nodule size and number. This study aimed to determine the ultrasound findings of thyroid nodules in patients and correlate it with clinical records. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at teerthanker Mahavir medical college and research centre. In these patients, high frequency 7.5-10.0 MHz probe was used for Ultrasound examination of a thyroid nodule. It includes diameter, echogenicity (Hyper, Hypo, Iso and An Echo), composition (Cystic, Solid, Mixed), microcalcifications (Presence and Absence), Borders (Irregular and Regular) and Halo (Presence and Absence). From Lew et al. guidelines ultrasound of nodule margins, suggestive of malignancy guidelines was adopted. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy was recommended to the referring physician is required. Results: Benign and malignant lesions were recorded in 88.9% and 11.1% patients respectively. On the other hand, histopathological findings revealed that 90.9% and 9.1% as benign and malignant correspondingly. In the present study, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values were 91%, 8.5% and 50% respectively. Whereas, the negative predictive value was 47%. Conclusion: Findings of the current study suggest that radiological evidences are reliable enough for the diagnosis of the benign and malignant thyroid tumours. However, studies on larger populations are warranted to establish guideline for the radiological diagnosis of thyroid tumours.