Central echogenic areas in thyroid nodules: Diagnostic performance in prediction of papillary cancer

Despite its relatively low sensitivity, the central echogenic area finding is highly specific for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and can be a useful sonographic finding in decisions regarding FNA. Additionally, due to the paucity of cells and high density of conglomerate fibrosis, central echogenic areas should be avoided during FNA to decrease the chance of an inadequate sample collection.