Incidence of Thyroid Cancer among Patients with Thyroid Nodules

Aim To evaluate thyroid nodules and to determine the incidence of thyroid cancer. Methods This retrospective cohort study collected data from ten patients who presented with thyroid nodules to Barrington’s Hospital Limerick. Ultrasound/FNA results of thyroid nodules were used to measure the incidence of thyroid cancer. Results The number of thyroid nodules diagnosed as malignant was significantly greater than benign nodules (***p-value <0.0004, 95% confidence interval (-1.109 to -0.399)). This data indicates that females are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than males. Discussion The incidence of thyroid cancer is growing at a rapid pace. Papillary carcinoma is the most common thyroid cancer diagnosed. Notably, it is the most likely diagnoses in impalpable thyroid nodules. Females are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than males.