Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the ultrasound characteristics and histopathological findings of thyroid nodules in adults, in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical management.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 38 adult patients with thyroid nodules, selected based on suspicious ultrasound features. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed.

Results: The “taller-than-wide” sign was identified in 4 nodules, showing a 75.0% positivity rate in malignant cases compared to 2.9% in benign cases (p < 0.05). Other sonographic features, such as hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, and capsular invasion, demonstrated high specificity in differentiating benign from malignant nodules. There were 4 patients (10.5%) diagnosed with malignant thyroid nodules through FNA, corresponding to Bethesda category V.

Conclusion: Ultrasound features are highly valuable in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules. The combined use of comprehensive ultrasound assessment and FNA aids in accurate clinical decision-making, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving thyroid cancer treatment outcomes.