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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
Published on: April 21, 2023
Management And Assessment Of Indeterminate (U3) Thyroid Nodules: A 5-Year Multisite Retrospective Study
Ravi Patel1, Alison Conybeare2, Harrypal Panesar2
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, The Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford, TF1 6TF- United Kingdom, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom.
Background:
The U grading of Ultrasound scan (USS) is used to assess the likelihood of malignancy in a thyroid nodule and help determine those that warrant an FNAC confirmation. All those of a U3-5 warrant an FNAC for confirmation and typing. This study aims to review the follow-up practice and the likelihood of picking up a malignancy on subsequent USS and FNAC, for those determined as an indeterminate U3 nodule.
Methods:
We retrospective reviewed the trust database (Portal) for patients who had a U3 nodule reported on USS identified, and clinical, operative and outcomes data were analysed.
Results:
258 scans were identified over a 5-year period. The average age was 59 (range 15- 95) years old at first USS with a female to the male sex ratio of 4:1. The average number of USS that each patient prior to final diagnosis had averaged at 2.8 (range 1-12). Of those with an initial Thy status, 64 (33%) were benign (Thy2) and a further 49 (25%) were non diagnostics (Thy1). Over time, only 7 nodules were upgraded to a potential malignancy. Of those who underwent surgery, a final histological diagnosis was obtained in 41 cases. Only Thy1, 2 and 3f produced benign final histology results.
Conclusions:
For those indeterminate (U3) nodules of Th1-3f, electing for a watch and wait management strategy is reasonable for up to 2.5 years and 4 follow-up scans at an interval of 6-12 months should be implemented. A Thy2 result on a U3 nodule should not be taken as completely reassuring, a high index of suspicion of malignancy must be maintained.
