Histopathological Evaluation of Solitary Nodules of Thyroid

Introduction: Solitary Thyroid nodules (STNs) can be of both non-neoplastic or neoplastic in nature and it is difficult to assess whether an STN is neoplastic or non-neoplastic by clinical examination alone. Imaging technique may help in differentiating them preoperatively but histological examination offers the final diagnosis. This study was aimed at studying the incidence rates of various types of STNs as it varies from one geographical area to another. Material and methods: A total of 58 cases of STNs received over the period of 18 months were studied and histopathological features were analysed. Results: In this study, non-neoplastic STNs were 32 (55.17%) and neoplastic were 26 (44.82%), the former being more common. There was a female preponderance in both nonneoplastic and neoplastic STNs with an incidence of 90.62% and 84.61% respectively. Mean age of presentation of STNs was 42.09 years. Non-neoplastic lesions of thyroid were; 18 cases of colloid nodules, 10 cases of hyperplastic nodular goitre, 04 cases of Hashimoto Thyroiditis and the neoplastic lesions were; 05 cases of follicular adenoma, 11 cases of typical/conventional papillary carcinoma of thyroid (PTC), 6 cases of papillary carcinoma thyroid variants, 01 case of follicular carcinoma 01 case of Undifferentiated carcinoma, 01 case of Squamous cell carcinoma and 01 case of medullary carcinoma. Conclusion: STNs are not so uncommon and comprise of a gamut of both non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Colloid nodule and PTC are the most common of non-neoplastic and neoplastic STNs respectively.