Age-related changes in the size of thyrocyte nuclei in aspirates from nontoxic nodular goiter

It is believed that the size of thyrocyte nuclei correlates with the age of the patient in both normal thyroid tissue and nodular goiter. Therefore, we examined karyometric parameters in aspirates obtained from 38 patients ranging from 18 to 79 years (48.8 +/- 15.2, mean +/- SD). Routine cytologic evaluation revealed nodular goiters in all the patients. Subsequently, the same smears were analyzed with a computer system for karyometric measurements. The mean volume, intersection area and perimeter of nuclei of thyrocytes from nodular goiters correlated positively with age. The results suggest that the age of the patient should be considered when interpreting thyrocyte nuclear size during cytologic examination.