Evaluation of Risk Factors for Malignancy in a Solitary Thyroid Nodule

A solitary nodule may become cosmetically distressing to a patient and occasionally causes pressure symptoms. Less frequently, an autonomously hyperfunctioning single nodule may cause hyperthyroidism. However, in the greater proportion of patients, the major concern relates to the potential of malignancy within such a nodule. Aim of the work is to evaluate the prevalence of solitary thyroid nodules and evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of malignancy. This a prospective study was carried out on 100 adults’ patients with clinically palpable Solitary Thyroid Nodule presenting to the outpatient clinics in Al-Zahraa university Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. Selected patients had clinically palpable STNs who succeeded to fulfill the inclusion criteria set for the study. Patients presenting with STNs and fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be selected, informed, included, categorized, and recorded for demographic variables. There are significant predictors of malignancy in STNs such as male gender, extreme of age, Solitary nodules Size between 2-4 cm, Microcalcifications, Hypoechogenic pattern, Solid pattern, Ill-defined edges, and Increased intramodular vascularity and proved by FNAC. This study concluded female predominance was observed, peak incidence was in the age group 31-50 years. The most common presenting complaint was painless neck swelling.