Abstract: Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology has become the mainstay in the initial evaluation of thyroid nodule followed by ultrasound scan and thyroid profile. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the distribution of solitary nodule, and to assess the risk factors for malignancies presenting in patients with solitary thyroid nodule.
Materials & Methods: Total of 100 cases were included in the study. Ultrasound of neck was done in all cases to rule out multinodular goiter. FNAC was done in all the cases and was the main investigation for evaluation of the solitary nodule. The clinically diagnosed cases of thyroid were further evaluated as per the proforma.
Results: Male to female ratio was 1:6.3. Peak incidence was observed in 3rd & 4th decades of life. Nearly 60 patients had nodules occurred on right lobe. Sensitivity of FNAC for benign lesion was 62% and for malignant lesion was 100%. The commonest histopathological reports were colloid goiter and follicular adenoma. The incidence of malignancy was 14%. Six cases had hypocalcemia and seven patients had wound dehiscence.
Discussion & Conclusion: In addition to know whether the clinically palpable nodule is cystic or solid, ultrasonogram is useful to know the nature of the rest of thyroid gland showing the clinical solitary nodule is true solitary nodule or simply dominant nodule of a multinodular goitre. FNAC and thyroid profile are the most important investigations that help in its diagnosis. Hemi thyroidectomy is the most appropriate and least expensive procedure that can be done for its treatment.
