SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS THYROID NODULES AND THEIR CORRELATION TO HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Objective: High-resolution ultrasonography (USG) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are cornerstone tools for initial evaluation, while histopathological examination (HPE) serves as the definitive diagnostic method. This study is to compare the efficacy of both these methods in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 patients with thyroid nodules evaluated at a tertiary care center over 18 mo. Each patient underwent USG, FNAC, and subsequent surgical histopathology when indicated. Sonographic features such as echogenicity, margin irregularity, calcifications, shape, and vascularity were assessed. Nodules were classified using TI-RADS and FNAC results interpreted using the Bethesda system. Final histopathology served as the gold standard. Results: The study population was predominantly female (75%), with an average age of 42.6 years. Solitary nodules were more common (72%), primarily affecting the right lobe. Sonographic features such as hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, microcalcifications, taller-than-wide shape, and increased central vascularity were significantly associated with malignancy (p<0.05). Higher TI-RADS (4 and 5) and Bethesda categories (V and VI) strongly correlated with malignant histopathology (p<0.0001). A rising trend in malignancy risk was observed with ascending TI-RADS and Bethesda scores. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the diagnostic value of USG and FNAC in thyroid nodule evaluation. Significant correlation between TI-RADS and Bethesda classifications with histopathological outcomes underscores their complementary role in malignancy risk stratification and clinical decision-making.