Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
The role of neck ultrasonography in thyroid cancer
Jia-Hau Lin1, Feng-Yu Chiang, Ka-Wo Lee
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnosis accuracy rate of neck ultrasonography (US) characteristics in thyroid cancer.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective study of patients who underwent thyroid surgery for palpable thyroid nodules at the department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan.
Results:
Between January 1993 and December 2006, 378 patients with palpable thyroid nodules underwent thyroid total lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Preoperation evaluations included neck US, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (USGFNA) and technetium-99m scintigraphy. Postoperative histopathology revealed 297 are benign and 81 are malignant. Comparing preoperative surveys with postoperative histopathology, the outcome analyses included the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy rate, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The sensitivity of US, USGFNA, and technetium-99m scintigraphy were, respectively, 51.9%, 75.0%, and 73.8%; the specificity were, respectively, 93.9%, 94.6%, and 25.3%; the accuracy rate were, respectively, 86.8%, 90.8%, and 35.0%; positive predictive value were, respectively, 63.6%, 76.9%, and 19.8%; negative predictive value were, respectively, 90.5%, 94.1%, and 79.5%.
Conclusions:
The neck US is a useful method in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, and the US characteristics can be used to distinguish the risk of malignant thyroid nodules. We recommend neck US in all patients with thyroid nodules, and if any malignant characteristics were noted, USGFNA can be arranged.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...