Role of calcification characteristics on CT in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules

Objective To evaluate the value of calcification characteristics on CT in differentiating diagnosis of malignant and benign thyroid nodules.Methods Data of 58 patients with thyroid nodules were retrospectively analyzed,who underwent plane or enhanced CT scaning.The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology after surgery,based on which the thyroid nodules were divided into two groups of A(malignant,21 nodules) and B(benign,69 nodules).The form,size,number and location of calcification were compared between two groups.Results The incidence rate of calcification was higher in group A than that in group B[61.9%(13/21) vs.21.7%(15/69)](P0.05).The form of calcification of group A was similar to that of group B.The incidence rate of calcification located in the inner side of the nodules was higher in group A than that in group B(52.4% vs.8.7%)(P0.05).Conclusion Compared to benign thyroid nodules,the incidence rate of calcification of malignant thyroid nodules is higher and the calcification lesions locates mainly in the inner nodules.