Rates and Predictors of Malignancy in Bethesda III and IV Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Study

The malignancy rates of Bethesda class III and IV nodules in this study met the estimated malignancy risk proposed by BSRTC. TIRADS scores 4 and 5 confer a higher risk of malignancy in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules. Positive thyroglobulin antibodies and radiation exposure are independent factors of malignancy in Bethesda III and IV nodules. Moreover, ultrasound features, including irregular borders, taller-than-wider growth, hypoechogenicity, calcifications, and solid consistency, are associated with increased malignancy risk and should be considered in the surgical selection of patients.