Solitary thyroid nodule is defined as a single palpable nodule that is detected clinically in an otherwise normal thyroid gland. Though it is a common entity observed in the clinics, it has still managed to arouse a lot of interest among physicians and surgeons. The wide spectrum of its presentation and varied management owing to different pathological diagnosis and clinical picture makes it vital to update the knowledge in terms of its prevalence and outcome. Solitary thyroid nodule in particular has always been a topic of controversy as clinicians have divergent opinions regarding surgical management. This necessitates the purpose of review studies to narrow down the varied opinions. In this study, 50 cases of solitary thyroid nodule were included prospectively by random sampling and incidence of malignancy was determined along with other factors such as age, sex, site, size, clinical features, investigations and histopathology.
Objectives
1. To determine the incidence of solitary thyroid nodule in relation to age and sex
2. To determine the incidence of solitary nodule of thyroid turning out to be multinodular goitre
3. To study the incidence of euthyroid, hyperthyroid or hypothyroid states in patients presenting with solitary nodule of thyroid
4. To study the role of FNAC in the management of solitary nodule of thyroid
5. To determine the incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule
Materials and Methods
The present study on “Clinical Study of Solitary Nodule of Thyroid” has been conducted in a tertiary care center over a period of 18 months from January 2013 to July 2014 with a follow up of 1 year i.e. upto July 2015. Prospective analysis of 50 cases of solitary nodule of thyroid in the specified period was done. These cases were selected by random sampling method and studied in detail clinically and recorded. Routine investigations and specific investigations including Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the nodule, Thyroid profile, Indirect Laryngoscopy, Plain X-ray neck were done in all cases. Special investigations like radio isotope scanning was done in few cases where indicated. All the patients were managed by surgery and diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology examination. The patients were grouped according to different variables like age, sex, size of nodule, site of nodule, functional thyroid status, FNAC reports and histopathology reports, then analyzed and compared with the previous similar studies conducted elsewhere.
Inclusion Criteria
• All patients admitted for solitary thyroid nodule were included in this study.
• Patients diagnosed as multinodular goitre on ultrasonography, however, solitary nodule on clinical examination, were included in the study.
• Patients with recurrence who have been operated previously for a benign thyroid nodule in past (proven on HPE)
Exclusion Criteria
• All patients with multiple nodules on clinical examination were excluded from the study.
• Patients presenting with recurrence of nodule who have been operated previously for thyroid malignancy.
• Patients with recurrence of nodule with no HPE report available from previous surgery.
