Distribution of Functional Status of Thyroid Nodules and Malignancy Rates of Hyperfunctioning and Hypofunctioning Thyroid Nodules in Germany

Abstract

Aim: Thyroid scintigraphy enables the depiction of the functional status of thyroid nodules (TNs) with both, ^99mTc-pertechnetate and ¹²³Iodine. The functional status is relevant for diagnostic procedures for the differentiation of benign and malignant TNs. The aim of this study was to examine the current frequencies of hyper-, hypo- and isofunctioning TNs in Germany and to estimate the risk of malignancy with regard to functional status.

Methods: In 11 study centers, a minimum of 100 nodules per center were consecutively enrolled between July 2019 and April 2020. Inclusion criteria were: newly diagnosed nodule, nodule' size of 10 mm or more, thyroid scintigraphy. Exclusion criteria were: completely cystic TNs, patients with prior radioiodine therapy or thyroid surgery. The risk of malignancy was estimated for hyper- and hypofunctioning TNs.

Results: Overall, 849 patients (72 % women) with 1262 TNs were included. Patients' age ranged from 18 to 90 years. Most TNs were hypofunctioning (n=535, 42%) followed by isofunctioning TNs (n=488, 39%) and hyperfunctioning TNs (n=239, 19%). When only TNs with a maximum size of 2 cm or more were considered the rate of hyperfunctioning and hypofunctioning TNs increased (to 27% and 49%) while isofunctioning TNs decreased. Only one of all hyperfunctioning TNs was malignant. In hypofunctioning nodules, the malignancy rate was estimated at 10%.

Conclusion: In Germany, the proportion of hyperfunctioning TNs is approximately 20% and increases in larger TNs to up to 27%. Due to the low risk of malignancy in hyperfunctioning TNs, no further procedures to rule out malignancy are necessary. The risk of malignancy of hypofunctioning TNs is significantly higher. Thus, a thyroid scintigraphy is a useful diagnostic tool in Germany.