PREVALENCE AND HORMONAL-MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NODULAR GOITER IN ADULTS OF ANDIJAN UNDER IODINE DEFICIENCY

Abstract

In a prospective study of 60 adults in Andijan, thyroid ultrasound detected nodular goiter in 15 participants (25%), predominantly women. Clinical, hormonal (TSH, fT3, fT4, anti-TPO), and morphological assessments (FNAB and histology) were performed to characterize the nodules. Elevated TSH correlated with larger nodule size, and anti-TPO positivity was associated with heterogeneous structure. These findings highlight the prevalence of nodular goiter and its diverse hormonal and morphological features, emphasizing the importance of integrated screening for early detection and management in iodine-deficient populations.