Prevalence of thyroid nodules in 4306 healthy adult population

AIM:To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of thyroid nodules in 4306 healthy adult population.METHODS:Included in the study were 4306 adults without thyroid surgery history and ultrasonographic examination of thyroid gland and measurement of serum thyrotropin(TSH)and thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb)were conducted.RESULTS:Thyroid nodules were detectable in 675 subjects(15.7%)by ultrasonographic examination.The thyroid nodule prevalence increased with the increasing of age.The nodule prevalence in women aged between 31-60 years was higher than that in men of the same age group.No evidence showed that the nodule prevalence was relevant with TSH and TGAb levels.Most nodules were smaller than 1 cm(77%)and solitary(70%).Larger and multiple nodules were more common in the elderly,but no obvious difference was observed in the size and number of thyroid nodules between men and women.Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was applied to 70 subjects with thyroid nodules bigger than 1 cm.Three patients were diagnosed as having thyroid cancer and were confirmed historically after surgery.CONCLUSION:The prevalence of thyroid nodule is high even in healthy adults,and it is more common in the elderly and women.Most of the nodules are impalpable and benign.