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Worrisome histologic alterations following fine needle aspiration of the thyroid
1Department of Pathology, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. pandit_a@vsnl.com
Objective:
To investigate worrisome histologic alterations following fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid (WHAFFT).
Study Design:
Of 1,890 FNA thyroid cases, 265 underwent surgical excision. The histologic sections of these cases were studied for WHAFFT lesions. Thirty control cases were also studied.
Results:
WHAFFT lesions were present in 38.49% of cases. Acute lesions were seen in 30 and chronic in 72 cases. Control cases did not show WHAFFT lesions. The common lesions were hemorrhage and fibrosis. Worrisome lesions, like nuclear atypia, vascular changes, capsular pseudoinvasion and metaplasia, were present in 32 (12.07%) cases.
Conclusion:
Considering the large number of FNAs and reduction in the number of thyroid excisions, the advantages of FNA are manifold as compared to the few diagnostic problems. Misdiagnosis can be avoided with awareness of WHAFFT lesions.