Abstract

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the efficiencies and limitations of ultrasonography (US), scintigraphy and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

Methods: Sixty-seven patients admitting to our department due to thyroid pathology between Feb-2000 and Jan-2001 were taken to US examination. Scintigraphic examination was also done in 55 patients with nodular goiter and FNAB was performed in 54 of 55 patients.

Findings: US was normal in 5 cases. Diffuse goiter was detected in 55 and nodular goiter was detected in 7 cases. Of 51 patients undergoing operation, nodular colloidal goiter in 35, follicular adenoma in 5, hurtle cell tumor in 1, papillary carcinoma in 3, diffuse goiter in 5 and focal chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in 2 cases were detected histopathologically. In scintigraphic images no malignancy was observed in hyperactive and normoactive nodules.

Conclusion: There are no precise criteria on the detection of malignant lesions ultrasonographically and scintigraphically. US-guided FNAB should be performed for more accurate and precise result when US or scintigraphic malignancy criteria are present. That FNAB is done with the guidance of US decreases the rates on inefficient material and false positivity.