Abstract
Objectives:
Risk factor analysis of incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in a cohort of 2100 patients undergoing thyroid surgery.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 2103 patients over a 10 year period (2000-2010) treated at Singapore General Hospital and Singapore National Cancer Centre. Outcome measurement Risk factors for developing incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma including sex (male vs female), age, size of thyroid nodule, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and ultrasound features at diagnosis.
Results:
Of the cohort of 2103 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for benign causes, 168 patients had incidental papillary microcarcinoma identified post-operatively. There was a preponderance of females (2:1), older age (>45), larger nodule size (>4cm). Ultrasound features that were commonly associated with this diagnosis included hypoechogenicity and increased vascularity of nodules, although these were noted to be benign on FNAC.
Conclusions:
Presence of the abovementioned risk factors in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for benign diseases may be included in the decision making process for advocating surgery in these patients.
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