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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2022 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Study of Correlation of Clinical Findings and Operative Findings in Thyroid Swellings: A Retrospective Hospital-based Study

Barishisha Kharkongor

Keywords : Assessment, Biopsy, Clinical skill, Goiter, Retrospective studies, Risk, Thyroid neoplasms, Thyroid nodule

Citation Information : Kharkongor B. Study of Correlation of Clinical Findings and Operative Findings in Thyroid Swellings: A Retrospective Hospital-based Study. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2022; 14 (3):95-99.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10003-1408

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 20-03-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: Clinical evaluation plays an important role in diagnosing thyroid malignancy. However, it is largely dependent on the experience of the clinician to have an index of suspicion to detect malignancy and to channel further investigations. Not many studies have been done to signify the use of clinical and intraoperative findings in predicting thyroid malignancy. Objective: The objective of the article was to study the correlation of clinical findings and operative findings in thyroid swellings with histopathological examination (HPE) reports in the Northeastern Indian population in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted in the department of otorhinolaryngology (ENT). Case records of patients who visited department of ENT with thyroid swellings in the year 2017–2020 were included in the study. Results: A total of 67 patients were included in the study. Clinically, the most common diagnosis was solitary thyroid nodule (STN) made in 54 (81%) patients. In our study, the clinical examination had a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 32%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 59%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 63% in diagnosing thyroid malignancy. The intraoperative assessment had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 20%, PPV of 59%, and NPV of 100% in diagnosing thyroid malignancy. Conclusion: Clinical evaluation forms the foundation stone for further evaluation of thyroid disorders. Even though a lot of advancements have been made in management of thyroid disorders, clinical evaluation should not be overlooked. With clinical examination having a sensitivity of 83% and NPV of 63% and intraoperative assessment having a sensitivity of 100% and NPV of 100%, it helps in ruling out thyroid malignancy in our study population. However, studies with a large sample size are required to further validate the statement. Clinical significance: Due importance should be given to high-risk clinical and intraoperative features for early diagnosis of thyroid cancer in any population.


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