Abstract

BACKGROUND
To determine the various sonographic findings in a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 patients with a proven papillary carcinoma of the thyroid were involved. The sonographic features analyzed were the size, shape, content, margin, internal echo, and calcification pattern. RESULTS: Common sonographic features of a papillary carcinoma include the hypoechoic texture (94%), an ill defined margin (81%), a solid nodule (100%), irregular shape (48%), and microcalcifications (35%), or no calcifications (42%). The uncommon features included a hyperechoic or mixed echo texture, cystic elements, a well defined margin, and a coarse or peripheral calcifications. CONCLUSION: Ill-defined hypoechoic solid nodule with microcalcification is a characteristic ultrasonographic finding of a thyroid papillary carcinoma.

• Keywords: Thyroid neoplasm;Ultrasonography