An analysis of Clinical, Ultrasonological and Cytopathological findings of thyroid swellings at a teaching hospital in eastern Nepal

Background: Thyroid swelling can be benign or malignant. It is evaluated by clinical examination, Ultrasonography (USG) and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). This study was conducted with the aim of comparing discrepancy diagnosis USG, considering FNAC as gold standard. 
 Methods: A prospective observational thyroid swellings convenient sampling carried out over a year (20 October 2020 to 19 2021) at Outpatient department Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, eastern region Nepal. Clinical, ultrasonological cytological parameters were recorded. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV) negative (NPV) calculated. Results: Out 120 population, mean age 45.37 years, there female preponderance, 110(91.66%). The commonest group 30-40 28(23.33%). On Ultrasonography, non neoplastic lesions diagnosed in 104 (86.7%) cases, compared FNAC, 113(94.2%). While, malignancy 16 (13.7%) only 7(5.8%) cases malignant on FNAC. Sensitivity USG for detection 100%, Specificity 92 %, 43.75 % Negative Predictive 100% Accuracy 92.5%. Conclusions: has an excellent diagnostic sensitivity, specificity accuracy that