Effect of Music Therapy on Pain During Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy; A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: High-resolution ultrasonography devices have led to the increased detection of thyroid nodules and the need for fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). However, FNAB is an invasive procedure that can cause discomfort and pain. Music therapy has been used for centuries to alleviate pain, and our clinical trial was conducted to investigate its impact on pain scores during thyroid FNAB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial, including adult patients undergoing thyroid FNAB. We evaluated the nonpharmacological intervention of listening to music before and during thyroid FNAB. We used a slow, nonlyrical, flowing melody with a tempo of 60 to 80 beats per minute as a therapeutic intervention for managing anxiety and pain. It had low tones, minimal percussion, and a volume of around 60 dB. The Beck Anxiety Inventory and Visual Pain Scale were used. RESULTS: The study included 529 patients assigned to either the music group (n = 258, 48.7%) or the control group (n = 271, 51.2%). The patients were categorized into subgroups based on either a single nodule (73.63%) or multiple nodules (24.18%). When all patients or single nodule and multiple data are examined separately, the intervention group showed statistically significantly lower pain scores than the control group. CONCLUSION: Our study is among the first on this topic and the largest in the available literature to demonstrate that listening to music during FNAB significantly reduces pain and anxiety. Music therapy is an effective, safe, and noninvasive intervention that can improve patient care and reduce distress and pain.

A Novel Approach: Evaluating ChatGPT's Utility for the Management of Thyroid Nodules.

Background and objective Artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) created by OpenAI, which represent the revolutionary aspects of today's technology, have benefitted professionals in many fields and society at large. In this study, we aimed to assess how effective is ChatGPT in helping both the patient and the physician manage thyroid nodules, a very common pathology. Methods Fifty-five questions frequently asked by patients were identified and asked to ChatGPT. Subsequently, three cases of thyroid nodules were progressively presented to ChatGPT. The answers to patient questions were scored for correctness and reliability by two endocrinologists. As for the cases, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches provided by ChatGPT were analyzed and scored by two endocrinologists for correctness, safety, and usability. The responses were evaluated by using 7-point Likert-type scales designed by us. Results The answers to patient questions were found to be mostly correct and reliable by both raters (Rater #1: 6.47 ± 0.50 and 6.27 ± 0.52; Rater #2: 6.18 ± 0.92 and 6.09 ± 0.96). Regarding the management of cases, ChatGPT's approach was found to be largely correct, safe, and usable by Rater #1, while Rater #2 evaluated the approaches as partially or mostly correct, safe, and usable. Conclusion Based on our findings, ChatGPT can be used as an informative and reliable resource for managing patients with thyroid nodules. While it is not suitable to be used as a primary resource for physicians, it has the potential to be a helpful and supportive tool.

Evaluation of Adrenal Reserve in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Receiving Thyroid Hormone Suppression Therapy- case-control Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are exposed to subclinical exogenous hyperthyroidism for the suppression of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adrenal reserve in DTC patients receiving suppression therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 55 DTC patients on suppression therapy and 32 healthy volunteers. Basal serum cortisol of all participants and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of the patient group were measured. A standard-dose ACTH test (0.25 mg) was performed in patients with a basal cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL. RESULTS: In the patient group, TSH was lower, free thyroxine (fT4) was higher, and free triiodothyronine (fT3) was similar to those of the control group (p < .01, p < .01, p = .140, respectively). The serum cortisol of the patient group was significantly lower than the control group (12.14 ± 5.12 mcg/dL vs 18.00 ± 5.56 mcg/dL, p < .001). A total of 34 (61.8%) patients with DTC had a basal cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL. Prolonged TSH suppression (≥5 years vs <5 years) was associated with lower basal cortisol (7.46 ± 2.63 mcg/dL vs 9.48 ± 2.65 mcg/dL, p = .022). The ACTH stimulation test showed that 2 (5.8%) patients had a cortisol response <18 mcg/dL. The rate of adrenal insufficiency was 3.6% in DTC patients. A moderate negative correlation was found between ACTH and fT3 of patients with low basal cortisol (r = -0.358, p = .038). CONCLUSION: Patients with DTC receiving TSH suppression therapy are at risk for adrenal insufficiency. The duration and severity of suppression might increase this possibility. Dynamic testing with synthetic ACTH can be used to reveal insufficient cortisol response in case of clinical suspicion.

Serum Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio in Biochemical Screening of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease and most cases are asymptomatic. Currently, in a hypercalcemic patient, the first laboratory investigation is serum primary hyperparathyroidism measurement. However, the primary hyperparathyroidism level cannot be measured in many primary healthcare centers in our country. In addition, serum calcium levels are normal in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism patients, even if most centers have serum calcium levels measured. Therefore, a simple and inexpensive laboratory biochemical marker is required for the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Recently, the calcium/phosphorus ratio has been proposed as a suitable tool for diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum calcium/phosphorus ratio in primary hyperparathyroidism screening. METHODS: A total of 462 patients followed in our clinic with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed in this retrospective study. Out of these patients, 148 with normal levels of serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were selected as the control group. Serum calcium, corrected calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and creatinine were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of the calcium/phosphorus ratio was investigated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 404 (87.4%) females and 58 (12.6%) males in the primary hyperparathyroidism group. Calcium, parathyroid hormone, and calcium/phosphorus ratio were significantly higher in primary hyperparathyroidism than in controls (p<0.001 for each). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses identified a cutoff value of 2.59 (3.35 if calcium and phosphorus are measured in mg/dL) for the calcium/phosphorus ratio, with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 93.2% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The calcium/phosphorus ratio is a simple and inexpensive method for primary hyperparathyroidism screening when a cutoff value of 2.59 is used.

Serum Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio in Biochemical Screening of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease and most cases are asymptomatic. Currently, in a hypercalcemic patient, the first laboratory investigation is serum primary hyperparathyroidism measurement. However, the primary hyperparathyroidism level cannot be measured in many primary healthcare centers in our country. In addition, serum calcium levels are normal in normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism patients, even if most centers have serum calcium levels measured. Therefore, a simple and inexpensive laboratory biochemical marker is required for the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Recently, the calcium/phosphorus ratio has been proposed as a suitable tool for diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum calcium/phosphorus ratio in primary hyperparathyroidism screening. METHODS: A total of 462 patients followed in our clinic with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed in this retrospective study. Out of these patients, 148 with normal levels of serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were selected as the control group. Serum calcium, corrected calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and creatinine were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of the calcium/phosphorus ratio was investigated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 404 (87.4%) females and 58 (12.6%) males in the primary hyperparathyroidism group. Calcium, parathyroid hormone, and calcium/phosphorus ratio were significantly higher in primary hyperparathyroidism than in controls (p<0.001 for each). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses identified a cutoff value of 2.59 (3.35 if calcium and phosphorus are measured in mg/dL) for the calcium/phosphorus ratio, with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 93.2% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The calcium/phosphorus ratio is a simple and inexpensive method for primary hyperparathyroidism screening when a cutoff value of 2.59 is used.

Organ-specific autoimmune markers in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the presence of thyroid, celiac disease (CD) and anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA) in adult type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. METHODS: Data of 287 T1DM patients >16 years old were reviewed retrospectively. Thyroid disease related, CD related antibodies and APCA were evaluated. Patients were divided into early onset (<30 years old) and late-onset (≥30 years old) TIDM, and ≤10 years, 11-20 years and >20 years according to disease duration. RESULTS: There were 142 (49.5%) female and 145 (50.5%) male patients. The median age at diagnosis and disease duration were 21 (2-53) and 6.91 (0-50.8) years, respectively. Antibody positivity rates were anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) 72.8%, anti-insulin 9.1%, anti-islet cell 25.7%, antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) 34.8%, anti-thyroglobulin 19.9%, anti-endomysial IgA (EMA-IgA) 7.6%, anti-gliadin IgA (AGA-IgA), 12.2%, AGA-IgG 13.0%, tissue transglutaminase IgA 7.1% and APCA 14.4%. One hundred twenty-eight (44.6%) patients had at least one non-diabetes autoantibody. Thyroid autoantibodies and dysfunction were significantly higher in women than men. Anti-TPO positivity was higher in the late-onset group (P = .044). Anti-GAD level was correlated with thyroid related antibody positivity in male patients with positive anti-GAD (r: .340, P: .006). The positivity of EMA-IgA and AGA-IgA was higher in patients with disease duration >20 years (P = .017 and .039, respectively). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the adult T1DM patients were positive for at least one non-diabetic antibody. It is important to investigate thyroid autoimmunity in patients diagnosed with T1DM at any age, including advanced age. CD associated antibody positivity increases with disease duration, suggesting that they should be re-evaluated at clinical suspicion, even if prior tests were negative.

The role of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in determining the preoperative localization of ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas in Cushing's disease: Experience of a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) is an important procedure in the diagnostic work-up of Cushing's syndrome (CS). In this study, we investigated the diagnostic performance of BIPSS in detecting the source of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion in Cushing's disease (CD) without radiological evidence. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent BIPSS due to ACTH-dependent CS between 2010 and 2019 in our clinic and subsequently underwent transsphenoidal surgery were included. The indication for BIPSS was biochemically proven ACTH-dependent CS but normal or ≤6 mm pituitary lesion in pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation was applied to all patients during the BIPSS procedure. BIPSS data, MRI results, pathological findings, and follow-up results were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of BIPSS was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients, 6 (17%) males and 29 (83%) females, were included in the study. Pituitary MRI was normal in 12 (34.3%) and revealed lesions ≤ 6 mm in 23 (65.7%) patients. BIPSS lateralized the right side in 13 (37.1%) and left side in 18 (51.4%) patients, while no lateralization was observed in the remaining 4 (11.5%) patients. BIPSS showed lateralization in the same direction with pituitary adenoma in 21 (60%) patients before CRH injection and in 29 (83%) patients after CRH injection (p = 0.034). The sensitivity of the BIPSS procedure was 88%. Accurate localization of the pituitary lesion was more frequent when based on BIPSS results than on MRI (83% vs. 51%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: BIPSS appears to be a valuable and safe diagnostic tool in patients who are diagnosed with CD biochemically but do not have clear radiological evidence of ACTH-producing lesion.

Low rate of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in patients followed for type 2 diabetes: A single center's experience in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the clinical and metabolic features of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) at a single center in Turkey. METHODS: Patients over 30 years of age diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who did not require insulin for a minimum of 6 months following diagnosis were included. Data from 324 patients (163 women; 161 men), with a mean age of 54.97 ± 7.53 years, were analyzed in the study. Levels of antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were measured in all patients, and LADA was diagnosed in patients testing positive for anti-GAD antibodies. RESULTS: Anti-GAD positivity was identified in 5 patients (1.5%). Family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), age, sex distribution, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were similar in the LADA and type 2 diabetes patients. Median HbA1c was significantly higher (10.8% vs. 7.38%, p = 0.002) and fasting C-peptide was lower (0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.82 ng/mL, p = 0.009) in patients with LADA compared to in those with type 2 diabetes. Among the 5 patients with LADA, 4 were positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. The median disease duration was relatively shorter among patients with LADA (4 years vs. 7 years, p = 0.105). CONCLUSION: We observed a LADA frequency of 1.5% among Turkish patients followed for type 2 diabetes. The presence of obesity and metabolic syndrome did not exclude LADA, and patients with LADA had worse glycemic control than patients with type 2 diabetes did.

Low rate of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in patients followed for type 2 diabetes: A single centers experience in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the clinical and metabolic features of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) at a single center in Turkey. Subjects and methods Patients over 30 years of age diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who did not require insulin for a minimum of 6 months following diagnosis were included. Data from 324 patients (163 women; 161 men), with a mean age of 54.97 ± 7.53 years, were analyzed in the study. Levels of antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were measured in all patients, and LADA was diagnosed in patients testing positive for anti-GAD antibodies. Results Anti-GAD positivity was identified in 5 patients (1.5%). Family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), age, sex distribution, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were similar in the LADA and type 2 diabetes patients. Median HbA1c was significantly higher (10.8% vs. 7.38%, p = 0.002) and fasting C-peptide was lower (0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.82 ng/mL, p = 0.009) in patients with LADA compared to in those with type 2 diabetes. Among the 5 patients with LADA, 4 were positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. The median disease duration was relatively shorter among patients with LADA (4 years vs. 7 years, p = 0.105). Conclusion We observed a LADA frequency of 1.5% among Turkish patients followed for type 2 diabetes. The presence of obesity and metabolic syndrome did not exclude LADA, and patients with LADA had worse glycemic control than patients with type 2 diabetes did.

Is thyroid nodule volume predictive for malignancy?

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to determine the roles of preoperative thyroid nodule diameter and volume in the prediction of malignancy. Subjects and methods: The medical records of patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2007 and December 2014 were reviewed. The nodule diameters were grouped as < 1 cm, 1-1.9 cm, 2-3.9 cm and ≥ 4 cm, and volume was grouped as > 5 cm3, 5-9.9 cm3 and > 10 cm3. ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve analysis was performed to find the optimal cutoff value of diameter and volume that can predict malignancy. Results: There were 5561 thyroid nodules in 2463 patients. Five hundred and forty (9.7%) nodules were < 1 cm, 2,413 (43.4%) were 1-1.9 cm, 1,600 (28.8%) were 2-3.9 cm and 1,008 (18.1%) were ≥ 4 cm. Malignancy rates were 25.6%,10.6%, 9.7% and 8.5% in nodules < 1 cm, 1-1.9 cm, 2-3.9 cm and ≥ 4 cm, respectively. When classified according to volume, 3,664 (65.9%) nodules were < 5 cm3, 594 (10.7%) were 5-9.9 cm3 and 1,303 (23.4%) were ≥ 10 cm3. The malignancy rates were 12.7%, 11.4% and 7.8% for the nodules < 5 cm3, 5-9.9 cm3 and ≥ 10 cm3, respectively (p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, an optimal cutoff value for diameter or volume that can predict malignancy in all thyroid nodules or nodules ≥ 4 cm could not be determined. Conclusion: In this surgical series, malignancy risk did not increase with increasing nodule diameter or volume. Although the volume of malignant nodules ≥ 4 cm was higher than that of benign nodules ≥ 4 cm, there was no optimal cutoff value. The diameter or volume of the nodule cannot be used to predict malignancy or decide on surgical resection.

Is thyroid nodule volume predictive for malignancy?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the roles of preoperative thyroid nodule diameter and volume in the prediction of malignancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2007 and December 2014 were reviewed. The nodule diameters were grouped as < 1 cm, 1-1.9 cm, 2-3.9 cm and ≥ 4 cm, and volume was grouped as > 5 cm3, 5-9.9 cm3 and > 10 cm3. ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve analysis was performed to find the optimal cutoff value of diameter and volume that can predict malignancy. RESULTS: There were 5561 thyroid nodules in 2463 patients. Five hundred and forty (9.7%) nodules were < 1 cm, 2,413 (43.4%) were 1-1.9 cm, 1,600 (28.8%) were 2-3.9 cm and 1,008 (18.1%) were ≥ 4 cm. Malignancy rates were 25.6%,10.6%, 9.7% and 8.5% in nodules < 1 cm, 1-1.9 cm, 2-3.9 cm and ≥ 4 cm, respectively. When classified according to volume, 3,664 (65.9%) nodules were < 5 cm3, 594 (10.7%) were 5-9.9 cm3 and 1,303 (23.4%) were ≥ 10 cm3. The malignancy rates were 12.7%, 11.4% and 7.8% for the nodules < 5 cm3, 5-9.9 cm3 and ≥ 10 cm3, respectively (p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, an optimal cutoff value for diameter or volume that can predict malignancy in all thyroid nodules or nodules ≥ 4 cm could not be determined. CONCLUSION: In this surgical series, malignancy risk did not increase with increasing nodule diameter or volume. Although the volume of malignant nodules ≥ 4 cm was higher than that of benign nodules ≥ 4 cm, there was no optimal cutoff value. The diameter or volume of the nodule cannot be used to predict malignancy or decide on surgical resection.

Effects of Radioactive Iodine Therapy on Ovarian Reserve: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Background: Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy. Surgery is the standard therapeutic approach for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), followed by radioiodine (RAI) therapy if indicated. For women with DTC, the effects of RAI therapy on gonadal and reproductive function are an important consideration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RAI therapy on ovarian function. Methods: A total of 33 premenopausal women were enrolled in this study. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels during the early follicular phase were measured before and 3, 6, and 12 months after RAI therapy. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to detect changes in FSH, AMH, LH, and estradiol levels induced by RAI therapy over time. Results: The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 38 years, with a mean age of 31.15 ± 4.83 years. The median follow-up was 19 months (range 4-26 months). The median AMH levels were 3.25 ng/mL (range 0.32-17.42 ng/mL), 1 ng/mL (range 0.01-3.93 ng/mL), 1.13 ng/mL (range 0.08-6.12 ng/mL), and 1.37 ng/mL (range 0.09-6.1 ng/mL) before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after RAI therapy, respectively. The median FSH levels were 6.6 mIU/mL (range 3.78-15.5 mIU/mL), 5.83 mIU/mL (range 4.19-35.36 mIU/mL), 7.71 mIU/mL (range 4.24-16.25 mIU/mL), and 7.04 mIU/mL (range 4.93-19.96 mIU/mL) before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after RAI therapy, respectively. The AMH levels were higher before than after RAI therapy (p = 0.001). The AMH levels did not differ significantly between the three time points (p > 0.05). The FSH, LH, and estradiol levels were similar before and after RAI therapy (p > 0.05). Conclusion: AMH is considered an important marker of ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve decreased after RAI therapy. More attention may be needed when considering RAI therapy for patients with reduced ovarian reserve.

Association between preoperative thyrotrophin and clinicopathological and aggressive features of papillary thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the relation between preoperative serum thyrotrophin (TSH) and clinicopathological features in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy and diagnosed to have benign nodular disease or PTC/PTMC in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with a previous history of thyroid surgery, patients using antithyroid medications or thyroid hormone and patients with tumors known to be unresponsive to TSH were excluded. RESULTS: Data of 1632 patients were analyzed. Histopathological diagnosis was benign in 969 (59.4%) and malignant in 663 (40.6%) patients. Preoperative median serum TSH was significantly higher in malignant compared to benign group (1.41 IU/dL vs. 0.98 IU/dL, p < 0.001). Malignancy risk increased gradually as going from hyperthyroidism to euthyroidism and hypothyroidism (20, 40.6, and 59.1%, respectively, p < 0.05). Serum TSH was lowest in benign nodular disease, higher in PTMC and highest in PTC (p < 0.001). This was also true when patients with positive antithyroid peroxidase/antithyroglobulin and with lymphocytic thyroiditis were excluded from the analysis (p < 0.001). Serum TSH was higher in patients with bilateral tumor, capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis (LNM) compared to patients with unilateral tumor, without capsule invasion and without LNM, respectively (p = 0.036, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001, respectively). Patients with aggressive variant PTC had higher serum TSH than nonaggressive ones (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative serum TSH is associated with PTMC, PTC and LNM. Serum TSH seems to be related with thyroid cancer regardless of autoimmunity. With the present study, for the first time, we showed an association between serum TSH and aggressive variants of PTC.

Malignancy risk and false-negative rate of fine needle aspiration cytology in thyroid nodules ≥4.0 cm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate malignancy rate and to determine false negativity of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in thyroid nodules ≥4.0 cm. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2007 and December 2014 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data as well as preoperative ultrasonography findings were analyzed. The nodules in these patients were grouped as ≥4.0 cm and <4.0 cm according to ultrasonography measurements. Nodules <4.0 cm were further divided into 1.0-3.9 cm and <1.0 cm. Histopathologically malignant nodules with preoperative benign cytology were defined as having false-negative FNAB. RESULTS: There were 1,008 nodules that measured ≥4.0 cm, 4,013 nodules that measured 1.0-3.9 cm, and 540 that measured nodules <1.0 cm. Based on histopathologic findings, 8.5%, 10.2%, and 25.6% of nodules ≥4.0 cm, 1.0-3.9 cm, and <1.0 cm were malignant, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant difference between 1.0-3.9-cm and ≥4.0-cm nodules with respect to malignancy (P = .108). False-negativity rates were 4.7% in nodules ≥4.0 cm, 2.2% in nodules measuring 1.0-3.9 cm, and 4.8% in <1.0-cm nodules. Nodules measuring <1.0 cm and ≥4.0 cm had similar false-negativity rates (P = .93), while 1.0-3.9-cm nodules had statistically lower false-negativity rates than those found in the other two groups (P = .03 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Of the nodules that were operatively excised, nodules ≥4.0 cm had a similar risk of malignancy as nodules 1.0-3.9 cm. The rate of false-negative FNAB in nodules ≥4.0 cm was twice as high as in nodules 1.0-3.9 cm; however, we do not think it is high enough to recommend a routine operation when cytology results are benign.