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Solitary thyroid nodule: a study of 100 cases
Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin
|April 1, 1996
Summary
This study on solitary thyroid nodules found colloid nodules most common, especially in goitrous patients, suggesting iodine deficiency. Papillary carcinoma was rare, supporting conservative surgical selection for solitary thyroid nodules.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Solitary thyroid nodules are a common clinical finding.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of various investigations for solitary thyroid nodules.
- To determine the prevalence of different pathologies in solitary thyroid nodules.
- To assess the feasibility of conservative management for selected cases.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 100 patients with solitary thyroid nodules.
- Investigations included ultrasonography (USG), scintiscanning, radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU), serum T3, T4, TSH, and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC).
- Histopathological examination of surgically resected nodules.
Main Results:
- Colloid nodules were the most frequent (41%), followed by cysts (26%) and follicular adenomas (23%).
- Papillary carcinoma was found in only one case.
- Goitrous subjects showed significantly different thyroid hormone levels and a higher prevalence of colloid nodules, suggesting iodine deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Colloid nodules are the predominant cause of solitary thyroid nodules, particularly in iodine-deficient areas.
- Malignancy is uncommon in solitary thyroid nodules, supporting a conservative approach to surgical intervention.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup aids in selecting patients for surgery.