Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our new article, "Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis," in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology.

Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 194 observational studies, we assessed the sociodemographic, laboratory, and ultrasonographic predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules, identifying specific factors, such as solid composition, irregular margins, male sex, family history of thyroid cancer, and elevated TSH levels, linked to an increased risk of malignancy. These findings emphasise that integrating patient-level characteristics with sonographic patterns is incredibly relevant to pre-biopsy risk stratification and should be closely considered in clinical practice to guide consistent biopsy decisions and minimise unnecessary surgical procedures.

A huge thank you to all the amazing authors Vanessa Neto, Catarina Leitão, Cláudia Martins, Margarida Fardilha, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, and Alexandra Nunes, and the supporting institutions for making this research possible!

You can read the full paper here 👇 https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2026.1885823