Follicular neoplasm of the thyroid: can clinical, ultrasonographical and cytological factors be used to predict carcinoma and determine extent of surgery

Abstract

Background: The optimal management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules in follicular neoplasm is controversial. We examined the prevalence of malignancy within cytologically indeterminate follicular thyroid lesions in an attempt to predict malignancy based on clinical, sonographic and cytologic features.Methods: Retrospective study was done in between April 2017 to July 2019 of 46 patients having a diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on fine needle aspiration cytology.Results: A total of 46 patients (8 men, 38 women; mean age 47 year) with indeterminate cytology underwent thyroidectomy and had histopathological diagnoses. The prevalence of malignancy in patients was 34.7%. The size of nodules and ultrasonographic feature were significant predictor of malignancy with p value <0.05.Conclusions: Author can predict malignancy in follicular neoplasm of thyroid with indeterminate nodule by using clinical and sonographic feature for the best compromise between the risk of missing carcinomas and the need for reducing unnecessary surgical procedures and cost benefit of the patients.