Predictive value for malignancy in the finding of microcalcifications on ultrasonography of thyroid nodules.

Chammas, Maria Cristina; de Araujo Filho, Vergilius José F.; Moysés, Raquel A.; Brescia, Marília D. G.; Mulatti, Grace C.; Brandão, Lenine G.; Cerri, Giovanni G.; Ferraz, Alberto R.

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value for malignancy of microcalcifications determined by ultrasonography in thyroid nodules. Methods. One hundred seventy-seven nodules were prospectively studied by ultrasonography and compared with their fine-needle aspirative biopsy. The association between the presence and type of calcification and cytologic findings was verified through the chi-square test or likelihood ratio. Results. Thirty nodules showed calcification, of which 17 had fine calcifications, 3 had fine and gross calcifications, and 10 had only coarse calcification. Seven (41.18%) of 17 fine calcified nodules were malignant on cytology, 8 (47.06%) were benign, 1 (5.88%) was indeterminate, and 1 was suspect for malignancy. We found statistical significance between the presence of fine calcifications and malignancy (p = .001) and, in the 13 malignant nodule group, 8 (61.50%) had fine calcifications. Conclusion. This study suggests that microcalcifications were highly specific for malignancy and were present in 61% of the malignant nodules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008

THYROID cancer; ULTRASONIC imaging; CANCER; CALCIFICATION; TUMORS

Head & Neck, 2008, Vol 30, Issue 9, p1206

1043-3074

Academic Journal

10.1002/hed.20858