Characterization of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas using sonographic features in malignant papillary thyroid cancer: a retrospective analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 May;94(21):e841. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000841.

Abstract

The diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules is still a clinical challenge. This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The ultrasonographic and pathological data of 2453 thyroid nodules in a cohort of 1895 Chinese patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2010 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Anteroposterior and transversal (AP/TR) diameters ≥1, solid structure, infiltrative margins, hypoechoic appearance, and microcalcifications were more common in malignant nodules than in benign nodules (P < 0.01). These ultrasonographic features were independent risk factors of malignancy (P < 0.01) as determined by logistic regression analysis. Based on multivariate analysis, these characteristics were also present in large nodules (diameter >10 mm). However, in small nodules (diameter ≤10 mm), only AP/TR ≥1 and infiltrative margins were independent risk factors of malignancy (P < 0.01). Ultrasonography is of high diagnostic value for malignant thyroid nodules and may help to improve the differential diagnosis. Small and large nodules have distinct ultrasonographic features.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Calcinosis
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / surgery
  • Child
  • China
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ultrasonography
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma