Ultrasound Diagnosis in Assessing the Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules According to the McGill Thyroid Nodule Score+ (MTNS)
https://doi.org/10.37174/2587-7593-2026-9-2-52-58
Abstract
Relevance: Thyroid nodules are detected in 40–50 % of the population, but only 5–10 % are malignant. Multiparametric risk stratification systems, such as the McGill Thyroid Nodule Score+ (MTNS), incorporate 23 criteria, including 7 ultrasound features. Evaluating the diagnostic value of these features remains relevant.
Purpose: To analyze the contribution of ultrasound parameters to thyroid nodule risk stratification using the MTNS scale.
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis included 211 patients with thyroid nodules divided into three groups: colloid goiter (n = 91), adenomas (n = 60), and thyroid cancer (n = 60). All patients underwent multiparametric ultrasound (B-mode, color Doppler, power Doppler) with assessment of 7 ultrasound features according to MTNS. Statistical analysis included χ², t-test, and ROC analysis.
Results: Patients with colloid goiter scored 2–11 points, those with adenomas 4–28 points, and those with thyroid cancer 12–31 points. Microcalcifications (AUC = 0.836; χ² = 23.854; p < 0.0001) and the “taller-than-wide” shape (χ² = 57.296; p < 0.0001) showed the highest diagnostic significance for malignancy. Macrocalcifications were more frequent in benign nodules (χ² = 6.366; p = 0.0116). Firm nodule consistency on palpation significantly distinguished cancer from adenomas (p < 0.0001). Nodule size alone had no prognostic value (p = 0.2562).
Conclusions: Ultrasound features, especially microcalcifications and the “taller-than-wide” shape, contribute substantially to the final MTNS score and enable accurate differentiation of malignant nodules. The scale is recommended for guiding treatment decisions, particularly in cases with indeterminate cytology.
About the Authors
L. A. Timofeeva
I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University; City Clinical Hospital No. 1
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Lyubov A. Timofeeva
15 Moskovsky Prospekt, Cheboksary, 428015
46 Prospekt Traktorostroitelei, Cheboksary, 428028
+7-967-475-18-46
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
Yu. K. Aleksandrov
Yaroslavl State Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Yuri K. Aleksandrov
5 Revolyutsionnaya Str., Yaroslavl, 150000
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
S. S. Alekseev
I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Sergey S. Alekseev
15 Moskovsky Prospekt, Cheboksary, 428015
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
A. O. Yumanov
I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Alexander O. Yumanov
15 Moskovsky Prospekt, Cheboksary, 428015
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest
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For citations:
Timofeeva L.A., Aleksandrov Yu.K., Alekseev S.S., Yumanov A.O. Ultrasound Diagnosis in Assessing the Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules According to the McGill Thyroid Nodule Score+ (MTNS). Journal of oncology: diagnostic radiology and radiotherapy. 2026;9(2):52-58. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.37174/2587-7593-2026-9-2-52-58
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