Loss of Follow-up for Thyroid Nodules in Patients Living in Poverty.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Inadequate surveillance of thyroid nodules can lead to cancer progression. This study examines patient characteristics that correlate with failure to follow up after thyroid nodule detection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules and studied subsequent thyroid ultrasounds, clinic visits, and thyroidectomies longitudinally. Poverty areas are census tracts where at least 20% of residents live below the poverty line. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between patient characteristics and follow-ups, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Of 2446 patients included, the majority were White (62.6%) and female (78.5%), with an average age of 55 

SUBMITTER: Song Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320506 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature