Xeroradiography of the thyroid

In a study of 726 patients, xeroradiography of the thyroid using a modified oblique projection was found to be superior to conventional soft-tissue radiography in detecting calcification in thyroid tumors because of edge enhancement. This facilitated a diagnosis of carcinoma in 75% of 68 primary tumors and 55% of 33 recurrent lesions. When other diagnostic criteria were included, the level of accuracy was 85% for primary tumors and 79% for recurrences. Examination with 131I was positive in 57 primary tumors (83%) and 4 recurrences (12%). The authors recommend routine combination of the two methods.