Korean J Endocr Surg.  2010 Dec;10(4):224-228. 10.16956/kjes.2010.10.4.224.

Sonographic Analysis of Malignant Thyroid Nodules by Surgeon

• Go G
• Koh JC
• Choi SY
• Park SH
• Lee KC
• Kim CS

• KMID: 2375473
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16956/kjes.2010.10.4.224

Abstract

PURPOSE
Ultrasound is most effective study for evaluating thyroid nodules. In this review, we discuss that sonographic findings to differentiate benign from malignant nodules and suggest recommendations for indications of fine needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid nodule management.
METHODS
Sonographic scans of 206 thyroid nodules in 164 patients were candidated for this study. We evaluated sonographic findings by shape, calcification, margin, and echogenicity, retrospectively. Sonographic findings that suggested malignancy included microcalcifications, a speculated margin, marked hypoechogenicity and a shape that was taller than wide. The final diagnosis of lesion as benign (n=180) or malignant (n=26) was confirmed by fine needle aspiration biopsy and follow-up (>6 months). We demonstrated the difference of the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy.
RESULTS
Of 206 thyroid nodules, 26 were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy based on our sonographic classification method were 84.6%, 73.9%, 31.9%, 97.0% and 75.2%.
CONCLUSION
Sonography can be helpful for making the differentiation between and malignant nodules. So, when well trained surgeon find thyroid nodules on sonography, we can make correct diagnosis of malignant nodules.

Keyword

Malignant thyroid nodule; Sonography; Fineneedle aspiration biopsy

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Classification
Diagnosis
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Methods
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Nodule*
Ultrasonography*

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