Table 3 Differences in clinical characteristics and low-dose CT features between benign and malignant thyroid nodules
Factor | Benign (n = 39) | Malignant (n = 11) | p |
|---|---|---|---|
Sex (men) | 18 (46.1%) | 8 (72.7%) | 0.119 |
Age (≥ 60 years) | 15 (38.4%) | 7 (63.6%) | 0.178 |
Location of nodule | |||
Right | 22 (56.4%) | 6 (54.5%) | 1.000 |
Left | 15 (38.4%) | 5 (45.4%) | 0.736 |
Isthmus | 2 (5.1%) | 0 (0%) | 1.000 |
Longest diameter (≥ 10 mm) | 18 (46.1%) | 3 (27.2%) | 0.319 |
AP/T ratio†(≥1) | 27 (69.2%) | 6 (54.5%) | 0.475 |
Mean attenuation value (≥ 55 HU) | 3 (27.2%) | 8 (72.7%) | 0.036 |
Ill-defined margin | 18 (46.1%) | 2 (18.1%) | 0.163 |
Density | |||
Hypodense | 32 (82.0%) | 6 (54.5%) | 0.105 |
Isodense | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) | NA* |
Hyperdense | 0 (0%) | 0 (0%) | NA |
Heterogeneous | 1 (2.5%) | 0 (0%) | 1.000 |
Densely calcified | 6 (15.3%) | 5 (45.4%) | 0.048 |
Any calcifications | 10 (25.6%) | 6 (54.5%) | 0.140 |
Punctate calcification | 3 (7.6%) | 0 (0%) | 1.000 |
Rim calcification | 1 (2.5%) | 1 (9.0%) | 0.395 |
Thyroid enlargement | 8 (20.5%) | 0 (0%) | 0.174 |