title: Partially cystic thyroid nodules: ultrasound findings of malignancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To seek for the ultrasound (US) findings of partially cystic thyroid nodules that are associated with malignancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the US characteristics of 22 surgically confirmed partially cystic papillary carcinomas, and compared them with those of 80 benign partially cystic nodules. The review cases were selected in a random order from a total of 1029 partially cystic nodules that were diagnosed with an US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy over a period of 8 years (June 2003 to October 2010) at our institution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In partially cystic thyroid nodules, a taller-than-wide shape (100%, p < 0.001) and spiculated or microlobulated margin (58.3%, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with malignancy. In terms of internal solid portion of the nodule, eccentric configuration (68.0%, p < 0.001), non-smooth margin (81.3%, p < 0.001), hypoechogenecity (30.0%, p < 0.042), and microcalcification (89.5%, p < 0.001) were more frequently demonstrated in malignant nodules than benign ones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In partially cystic thyroid nodules, understanding the characteristics of US findings is important to make a precise diagnosis of malignant nodules.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 110-746, Korea.
authors.forename: Jang Mi
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Yoonjung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Hyon Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kwag
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography