Role of F.N.A.C USG and scintigraphy in the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule

ABSTRACT

Diseases of thyroid gland are perhaps the commonest endocrine disorders. Solitary thyroid nodule is a common clinical entity encountered. So its evaluation by different investigation is very important. Purpose of study was to find out the most appropriate investigation in the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodules. Surgical unit, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Two years, from March 2002- March 2004. Fifty patients. In this study, it was found that the sensitivity and specificity of Fine needle aspiration cytology to malignancy was 80% and 93.3% respectively. So it was concluded that Fine needle aspiration cytology was the most sensitive and specific investigation in evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules. It was found to be extremely safe, in expensive and relatively accurate in the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule. In this study, it was found that thyroid ultrasound couldn't differentiate benign from malignant nodules. Thyroid scan had excellent sensitivity but very low specificity. But it couldn't differentiate benign from malignant nodules