Analysis on detections of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and risk factors in adult women in China

  Objective   To understand the detections of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and related factors in adult women in China.

  Methods   Women aged 18−60 years were selected randomly in Shandong, Henan, Hebei and Zhejiang provinces for dietary investigation, physical examination, tests of iodine in water, salt, urine and blood, and ultrasonic examination of thyroid gland. The detection of thyroid nodule and related factors were analyzed by descriptive study, univariate Logistic regression analysis and partial proportional odds model.

  Results   A total of 2082 women were included in this study. The detection rates of non-nodule (TI-RADS grade 1), benign nodule (TI-RADS grade 2), possible benign nodule (TI-RADS grade 3), and suspected or highly suspected malignant nodule (TI-RADS grade 4 or 5) were 43.32%, 21.23%, 14.51% and 20.94%, respectively. The results of the partial proportional odds model showed that age, overweight and obesity, and thyroid disease history had significant effects on the thyroid nodule grading (P<0.05).

  Conclusion   Older age, overweight and obesity, and thyroid disease history are the risk factors for thyroid nodule grading in adult women. It is necessary to conduct screening of thyroid nodules in the elderly, obese population and high-risk population with thyroid disease history.