Abstract
Introduction:
A discussion in literature about a standardized decision support tool for the management of thyroid nodules remains.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to create a statistical prediction model for thyroid nodules management.
Methods:
Two hundred and four benign and 57 malignant thyroid nodules were selected for a retrospective study. The variables age, gender and ultrasonographic features were examined using univariate and multivariate models. A statistical formula was used to calculate the risk of cancer of each case.
Results:
In multivariate analysis, irregular shape, absence of halo, lower mean age, homogeneous echotexture, microcalcifications and solid content were associated with cancer. After applying the formula, 20 cases (7.6%) with a calculated risk for malignancy ≤3.0% were found, all of them benign. Setting the calculated risk in ≥80%, 21 (8.0%) cases were selected, and in 85.7% of them cancer was confirmed in histopathology. Internal accuracy of the prediction formula was 92.5%.
Conclusions:
The prediction formula reached high accuracy and may be an alternative to other decision support tools for thyroid nodule management.
KEYWORDS
Thyroid nodule; Thyroid neoplasms; Ultrasonography; Cytology; Biopsy needle