AUTHOR=Liu Xiaoli , Wang Jingjing , Du Wei , Dai Liyuan , Fang Qigen 

TITLE=Predictors of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules Classified as Bethesda Category III

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Endocrinology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.806028

DOI=10.3389/fendo.2022.806028

ISSN=1664-2392

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objective</title><p>To determine predictors of malignancy in surgically treated Bethesda category III nodules.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Patients with surgically treated thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III were retrospectively enrolled. The association between clinical/sonographic features and postoperative pathology was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>A total of 188 nodules from 184 patients were included. The overall malignancy rate was 54.3%. In univariate analysis, male sex, aspect ratio &gt;1, microcalcification, unclear boundary, <italic>BRAF<sup>V600E</sup></italic> mutation, and nuclear atypia were significantly associated with malignant disease in Bethesda category III nodules. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male sex, aspect ratio &gt;1, microcalcification, and <italic>BRAF<sup>V600E</sup></italic> mutation were independent predictors of malignant disease.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Malignant disease was common in Bethesda category III nodules, and surgical treatment was strongly indicated in the presence of male sex, aspect ratio&gt;1, microcalcification, and <italic>BRAF<sup>V600E</sup></italic> mutation.</p></sec>