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A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
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Thyroid nodules with macrocalcification: sonographic findings predictive of malignancy
Yun Joo Park1, Jeong-Ah Kim, Eun Ju Son
1Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-720, Korea. chrismd@hanmail.net.
Yonsei Medical Journal
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Ultrasound features of macrocalcifications, including interruption, irregular thickness, and soft tissue presence, can predict thyroid cancer. These findings aid in distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid nodules are common, and macrocalcifications can be present.
- Differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sonographic features of macrocalcifications that predict malignancy in thyroid nodules.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of these sonographic features.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 854 thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications undergoing fine needle aspiration.
- Evaluation of sonographic characteristics of macrocalcifications (thickness, interruption, soft tissue rim) and nodule features.
- Correlation of sonographic findings with cytopathology and surgical confirmation.
Main Results:
- Of 649 analyzed nodules, 27.6% were malignant.
- Interruption, irregular thickness, and soft tissue rim outside calcification were significantly associated with malignancy (p<0.001).
- Irregular thickness and soft tissue presence showed high sensitivity and negative predictive values for malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Sonographic features of macrocalcification, specifically interruption, irregular thickness, and soft tissue rim, are reliable predictors of malignancy.
- These ultrasound findings can improve the accuracy of diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications.
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