AB183. 240. Incidence of thyroid cancer among patients with thyroid nodules

Background: Thyroid nodules are observed in 8% of the entire population and have a 5–15% prevalence of malignancy. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasia. Advancements in diagnostic tools such as fine needle aspiration (FNA) are linked to an increasing incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide. The objective of this audit was to evaluate thyroid nodules and to determine the incidence of malignant and benign tumours.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study collected data from ten patients who presented with thyroid nodules. Ultrasound/FNA results of thyroid nodules were used to measure the incidence of thyroid cancer.

Results: The number of thyroid nodules diagnosed as malignant was significantly greater than benign nodules [***, P<0.0004, 95% confidence interval (−1.109 to −0.399)]. This data indicates that females are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than males.

Conclusions: The incidence of thyroid cancer is growing at a rapid pace. This is largely due to the development of radiological tools. In particular, the utilisation of these tools in diagnosing small impalpable thyroid nodules. Papillary carcinoma is the most common thyroid cancer diagnosed, as well as having the highest mortality rates. Notably, it is also the most likely diagnoses in impalpable sub-centimetre thyroid nodules. Analysis of gender data shows females are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than males.

Keywords: Thyroid cancer; thyroid nodules; fine needle aspiration (FNA); ultrasound; papillary carcinoma