Comparison of ultrasonography findings and fine needle aspiration biopsy results in benign-malign differentiation of thyroid nodules

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the ultrasonography findings and cytology-histopathology findings of thyroid nodules undergoing a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Methods: The records of patients with thyroid nodules who underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy between January 2023 and February 2024 in the Radiology Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with malign, benign, and atypia of undetermined significance on pathology were evaluated. The correlation and concordance between ultrasonography, cytology, and histopathology findings were investigated. Results: A total of 114 patients with biopsy pathology results of 75 (65.7%) benign, 21 (18.4%) malign, and 18 (15.7%) atypia of uncertain significance were evaluated. The study included 87 (76%) female and 27 (24%) male patients. The mean age of all patients was 53.04 years. There was no significant correlation between age, gender, nodule location, and pathology result. The presence of contour irregularity and microcalcification in the nodule was significant for malignancy (p<0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an effective diagnostic method to differentiate between benign-malign thyroid neoplasms. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy has a high diagnostic rate. It is helpful in determining the subsequent clinical management option for most patients.