Incidence of Malignancy within Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules is controversial given the variable malignancy rates reported in this patient population. We examined the prevalence of malignancy within cytologically indeterminate atypical and follicular thyroid lesions in an attempt to predict malignancy based on cytologic features. Subjects and METHOD: Cytopathologic reports obtained after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) examination of indeterminate follicular thyroid lesions were studied over a 2-year period. The prevalence of malignancy on final pathology was determined in 2 indeterminate cytopathologic categories. RESULTS: A total of 138 records were available (122 women, 16 men). The mean patient age was 45.5+/-13.5 years. All patients underwent surgery and had histopathologic diagnosis. The prevalence of malignancy in atypical and follicular thyroid lesions were 77.7% (42 of 54) and 17.8% (15 of 84), respectively. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of malignancy within indeterminate atypical and follicular thyroid lesions may necessitate thyroidectomy for patients with indeterminate atypical and follicular lesions on the FNAB examination.