Abstract:

Objective To investigate the value of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm in diameter. Methods The clinical data of 105 patients (115 thyroid nodules) with thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm were retrospectively analyzed. The cytologic results of US-FNAB were evaluated and compared to the surgical pathological results and clinical follow-up results. Results Among 115 small thyroid nodules diagnosed by the cytology, 24 nodules were malignant; 9 nodules were suspicious for malignancy; 68 nodules were benign; 4 nodules were uncertain; and 10 nodules were inadequate. Actually there were 26 malignant nodules and 89 benign nodules confirmed by clinical follow-ups and pathological results. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US-FNAB for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm were 88.9% (24/27), 90.0% (79/88), and 90.0% (103/115), respectively. Conclusion US-FNAB is accurate for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm and valuable for practical application.

Key words: small thyroid nodules, ultrasound-guided, fine-needle aspiration biopsy