Ultrasound predictors of thyroid cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify ultrasound (US) features associated with cancer in thyroid nodules.


METHODS
During a two and a half-year period, medical charts, US images, and pathological findings in 629 consecutive patients with thyroid nodules who underwent US examination as well as fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or surgical excision or both were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and US findings associated with thyroid cancer were identified using statistical models.


RESULTS
Unequivocal cytological or pathological findings were available for 578 patients. Forty-eight patients (8%) had thyroid cancer. Independent clinical and US features associated with thyroid cancer included younger age, symptoms other than palpable mass, solid nodules, fewer number of nodules, presence of calcifications, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. The combination of all these features was most specific for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The absence of all these features could rule out all thyroid cancers.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of the thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules could be estimated by using relevant clinical and US features.
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. cholatipp@gmail.com
Cholatip
C
Wiratkapun
Rapeechai
R
Jaiyen
Panuwat
P
Lertsithichai
Banjongsak
B
Wedsart
Janjira
J
Jatchavala
Suphaneewan
S
Jaovisidha
Prakasit
P
Chirappapha
Atcharaporn
A
Pongtippan
Rangsima
R
Aroonroch
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012372:ROC Curve; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography