“A clinical cross-sectional study on thyroid goitre: correlation of high-resolution ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological examination.”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1703Keywords:
Thyroid gland, Goitre, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, HistopathologyAbstract
Background:
High-resolution ultrasonography (USG) detects nodules in 19–67% of cases, with higher prevalence in women and older adults. To evaluate the clinical, pathological, and demographic characteristics of patients with thyroid goitre and to assess the correlation between clinical findings, imaging, and histopathological outcomes.
Material and methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the Departments of General Surgery, Pathology, and Radiology, South Central Railway Hospital, Lalaguda. All consenting patients presenting with thyroid goitre were included until the target sample size of 60 was reached. Each underwent clinical evaluation, ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and histopathological examination.
Results:
Most participants (41.7%) were aged 40–50 years, 30% were above 50 years, and 6.7% were under 30 years. Females predominated (83.3%). An insidious onset was reported in 90% of cases. Clinically, 41.7% were asymptomatic, while difficulty in swallowing (16.7%) was the most frequent symptom, followed by palpitations (10%), weight loss (8.3%), pain (6.7%), constipation (6.7%), weight gain (5%), and voice change (5%). Thyroid swellings most frequently measured 6×4 cm (21.7%) and 4×5 cm (20%). Morphologically, 83.3% of the specimens showed a butterfly shape. TIRADS imaging classified 38.3% as TIRADS 2, 21.7% as TIRADS 3, 20.0% as TIRADS 5, 18.3% as TIRADS 4, and 1.7% as TIRADS 1. FNAC revealed 56.7% as Bethesda 2 (benign), while 33.3% showed suspicious or malignant cytology.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the importance of combining imaging and cytological evaluation for accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Correlation of TIRADS, FNAC, and histopathology improves diagnostic precision, guiding timely clinical management and enhancing patient outcomes.
Recommendations:
Wider application of standardized USG-based TIRADS reporting and Bethesda cytological classification should be encouraged to reduce unnecessary surgeries. Early evaluation of thyroid swellings, particularly in high-risk groups such as women over 40, is recommended.
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