Table 3.
Sonographic features of the index nodule in 854 patients undergoing FNA
| Sonographic features | % | n |
|---|---|---|
| Sonographic findings | ||
| Solitary nodule | 51.1 | 436 |
| Dominant in MNG1 | 48.9 | 418 |
| Solid vs. cystic | ||
| Solid | 54.4 | 465 |
| Cystic/solid2 | 36.7 | 313 |
| Cystic3 | 8.9 | 76 |
| Size | ||
| Size3, mm | 31.7 (7–212) | |
| Volume4, ml | 12.5 (0.3–210) | |
| Nodule morphology5 | ||
| Hypoechoic | 90.6 | 705 |
| Isoechoic | 1.8 | 14 |
| Microcalcifications | 3.1 | 24 |
| Coarse calcifications | 2.7 | 21 |
| Increased intranodular vascularization | <1 | 5 |
| Poorly defined margins | <1 | 1 |
| Irregular shape | <1 | 0 |
| Enlarged lymph nodes | 1.5 | 12 |
1
MNG = one or more coexisting nodules (>10 mm).
2
≥10% cystic component.
3
No evident solid component present after aspiration.
4
Largest diameter/volume (1 × w × d × π/6).
5
Morphology in 778 solid or cystic/solid nodules (cysts excluded).