The Value of Ultrasonography Using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer Among the Population of Ha'il, Saudi Arabia

Cureus. 2022 Jul 29;14(7):e27437. doi: 10.7759/cureus.27437. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer is one of the common malignant conditions of the head and neck region, and it is considered as one of the most common cancers among endocrine tumors. Ultrasonography is widely used in order to assess thyroid nodules, Therefore, the aim of our study is to determine the accuracy of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)-guided by ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy among the population in the Ha'il region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 137 patients was undertaken at King Salman Specialist Hospital, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients who presented with thyroid swellings underwent ultrasonography and FNAB.

Result: Our study results have concluded that the sensitivity of the ultrasonography in the confirmation of a malignant thyroid lesion is 59.4% and its specificity was found to be 74.3%.

Conclusion: The study showed that ultrasonography using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) is a significant step in evaluating a thyroid nodule. Also, it is highly sensitive and specific, cost-effective, and convenient for the patient.

Keywords: cancer; fine needle aspiration; thyroid; thyroid nodule; tirads; ultrasonography.