Clinical Study of Solitary Nodule of Thyroid at Tertiary Health Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Solitary nodule of thyroid has increased in incidence in the present day as compared to two decades before. Because of possibility of malignancy, some clinicians especially those in surgical subspecialties recommended that all nodules have to be removed. Material and Methods: Data collection by meticulous history taking and clinical examination, appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations, operative findings, histopathological report and follow-up of cases. Results: Study was conducted with 35 patients. The peak incidence of solitary thyroid nodule was observed in 3rd to 4th decade with four times more common in females as compared to male. The common causes of solitary thyroid nodule were colloid goitre (31.4%), Multinodular goitre (20%) and adenomatous goiter (17.1%), 94% of cases presented with euthyroid state. Incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule was 23%. The most common cause of malignancy was papillary carcinoma (14.3%). Conclusion: Solitary thyroid nodule is more common in 3rd to 4th decades. Solitary thyroid nodule is more common in females. Most of the patients presenting with solitary thyroid nodule are euthyroid and only a small percentage of patient with toxicity or hypothyroidism. USG can be accurately used to detect patients with multinodular goiter who clinically present as solitary thyroid nodule. Common causes of solitary thyroid nodule are colloid goitre, MNG, and adenomatous goiter. The most common cause of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule is papillary carcinoma followed by follicular carcinoma.