Evaluation of cytologically benign solitary thyroid nodules by ultrasonography: a retrospective analysis of 1877 cases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of ultrasonography (US) in the management of thyroid nodules when the cytology is benign tumor on fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

METHODS: Between 2006 and 2011, we investigated 13,972 patients who had solitary thyroid nodule with cytological findings of benign. Surgery was performed according to our criteria for surgical indication. Of these patients, 1877 (13%) patients who underwent surgery were enrolled in this study. We compared the results of clinical findings including US classification and final histopathological diagnosis.

RESULTS: One hundred seven (6%) after surgery were diagnosed as malignancy pathologically. Large nodule or high serum thyroglobulin level were not associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Ultrasonographic evaluation as malignancy was directly linked to pathological diagnosis as thyroid carcinoma (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: US may help to play a role in deciding whether surgical treatment is necessary for cytologically benign thyroid nodules.