Risk of malignancy in patients with follicular neoplasm: predictive value of clinical and ultrasonographic features.
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical and ultrasonographic features that may help in predicting malignant tumors in patients with a diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on findings from fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) because FNAC diagnosis of follicular neoplasm does not differentiate a benign tumor from a malignant tumor.


METHODS
Prospective study of 98 patients having a diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on FNAC.


METHODS
Tertiary cancer referral center.


METHODS
Ninety-eight patients with thyroid nodules diagnosed by FNAC as being a follicular neoplasm.


METHODS
Ultrasonography was performed in each patient, and microcalcifications, echo structure, and echogenicity of the nodules were assessed. All patients underwent surgery.


METHODS
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasonographic features.


RESULTS
Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 26 patients (27%). Ultrasonographic features (eg, a solid echo structure, microcalcifications, and a hypoechoic pattern) were predictive for malignant neoplasms. The variable associated with the highest sensitivity was the presence of a solid nodule (88.5%), and the variable associated with the highest specificity was the presence of microcalcifications (94.4%). The combination of the 3 ultrasonographic features (solid echo, hypoechoic pattern, and microcalcifications) resulted in a sensitivity of 95.0% and a specificity of 98.6%. Older age, male sex, solitary nodule, and larger nodule size were not predictive for malignant neoplasms in patients with follicular neoplasm cytologic findings.


CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed that the best compromise between the risk of missing carcinomas and the need for reducing unnecessary surgical procedures would consist of submitting to surgery those nodules presenting a solid echo structure, microcalcifications, or a hypoechoic pattern. Low-risk patients may be observed closely if they are willing to accept a small risk of cancer and if they appreciate the need for a close clinical follow-up.
Gulcelik
Nese Ersoz
NE
Division of Endocrinology, Ankara Oncology Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. mgulcelik@yahoo.com
Gulcelik
Mehmet Ali
MA
Kuru
Bekir
B
D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography