Highlights
- •TIRADS ≥ 4 is a sensitive method for thyroid cancer detection.
- •Smaller thyroid nodules are more likely to be malignant.
- •Combination of nodule size and TIRADS is helpful in detecting malignant nodules.
Abstract
Objectives
Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) is a combination of ultrasonographic
features developed to help physicians in predicting the malignancy risk of thyroid
nodules based on sonographic characteristics. Thyroid nodule size is another factor
in determining whether a nodule is malignant. The aim of this study was detecting
the predictive value of TIRADS and nodule size based on Bethesda classification in
prognostication of malignancy.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of 239 patients with thyroid nodules. The patients
underwent ultrasonography using TIRADS classification and FNA biopsy based on Bethesda
categorization. The results were analyzed using SPSS with the cut off points and predictive
values measured.
Results
TIRADS ≥4 could detect malignant nodules with a sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity
of 52.8%. An inverse relationship was observed between nodule size and malignancy
risk and cutoff point of 12 mm was found for detecting malignant nodules.
Conclusions
Thyroid nodules with TIRADS 4 and 5 and diameter lower than 12 mm, are highly suspicious
for malignancy and should be considered as indications for fine needle aspiration
biopsy.
Advances in knowledge
The study suggests TIRADS and thyroid nodule size as sensitive predictors of malignancy.
Abbreviations:
TIRADS (thyroid imaging reporting and data system), US (ultrasonography), FNA (fine needle aspiration)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 12, 2019
Accepted:
October 3,
2019
Received:
July 19,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
