Computed tomographic diagnosis of thyroid nodules

CT findings of 60 cases with thyroid mass lesion were retrospectively evaluated. Cancer revealed irregularly shaped ill-defined low density area in the thyroid and unevenly increased density on enhancement. Adenomatous goiter was seen as irregularly shaped well-defined low density area and evenly increased density with cyst formation on enhancement. Adenoma showed roundly shaped well-defined low density area and evenly increased density on enhancement. Cyst was roundly shaped well-defined low density area and unchnaged density on enhancement. Diagnostic accuracy in malignant or benign lesion was about 90%. CT was useful in distinguishing malignant lesion from benign one. (author)