A CROSS-SECTIONAL RESEARCH ON THYROID INCIDENTALOMAS (TI) OCCURRENCE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH GENDER, AGE AND ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION

Objectives: The main objective of our research was to describe the occurrence related to thyroid incidentalomas (TI) and its link with gender, age, people and societies through ultrasound (US).

Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out Allied Hospital, Faisalabad (September 2016 to August 2017). Total 270 grownups having no symptoms of thyroid disease of the age above 21 years, underwent thyroid ultrasound inspection.

Results:

The “TI” frequency was found 21%, detected in males 15% and in females 26% (P = 0.077). Thyroid nodules (TN) found 60% in one portion (left, right, isthmus) and 40% TNs were in many places. Single TN found in, about 56% and multiple TNs in 45%. It was observed that 37% had TNs greater than 1 cm; whereas, 58% were having TNs shorter than 1.0 cm. Seven percent were having TNs larger and lesser than 1.0 cm. It was also observed, in different ethnicities, participants were having equally common TI. (P = 0.76).

Conclusion:

The thyroid incidentalomas frequency was greater as compared to many other iodine-rich states. In both genders of our study, Incidentalomas were equally common. The same will be presented in many other studies if Pakistan holds the status of an iodine-rich state.

Keywords: Ultrasonography (USG, US), Thyroid Nodule (TN), Thyroid Gland (TG), Thyroid Hormones (TH), Thyroid Neoplasms, Thyroid Function Tests and Thyroid Incidentalomas (TI).