To investigate the value of ultrasonographic features and preoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level in the differential diagnosis of thyroid follicular c
arcinoma (FTC) from thyroid adenoma (TA).
Methods:
Clinical data and ultrasonographic features of 56 FTC nodules in 55 patients and 88 TA nodules in 78 patients were retrospectively analyzed and compared.
Results:
Preoperative serum Tg level was higher in FTC (
P
<0.05)
with the cut-off value of 98.38 ng/mL. Larger size
heterogeneous echo
solid contents
without or with irregular halo and presence of calcifications were associated with FTC (
P
<0.05). The cut-off value of maximum diameter was 30.50 mm. In comparison
TA were more likely presented with smaller size
homogeneous echo
cyst changes
without or with regular thin halo and absence of calcifications (
P
<0.05). There was no significant difference in sex
age
free triiodothyronine (FT3)
free tetraiodothyronine (FT4)
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)
thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)
echogenecity
position
shape
margin
vascularity features
peak systolic velocity (PSV)
end diastolic velocity (EDV)
resistance index (RI) (
P
>0.05).
Conclusion:
Large nodules over 3 cm without cyst changes
but with heterogeneous echo and calcifications
without or with irregular halo found during thyroid ultrasound examination
combined with elevated serum Tg level
mean that the possibility of FTC should be taken into consideration.