title: Factors increasing the probability of malignancy in thyroid nodules.
abstract: A series of 348 patients undergoing operative intervention because of thyroid masses is reviewed. The incidence of primary malignancy among these patients is 16.4%. Male sex and the presence of cervical adenopathy significantly increase the probability of malignancy. The presence of multiple nodules or a functional nodule on radioiodine thyroid scan significantly reduces the probability of cancer. A rational approach to thyroid nodules is presented based on these findings and new modalities that have become available.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012737:Sex Factors; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*