[Thyroid nodules: histological approach using microbiopsies obtained with a biopsy gun: preliminary study]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Context:

• Thyroid nodules require accurate diagnosis to determine malignancy and guide treatment.
• Current diagnostic methods like fine-needle aspiration cytology can yield insufficient cellular material.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to reduce unnecessary surgeries for benign thyroid conditions.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of microbiopsies for small thyroid nodules (<1 cm).
• To compare the quality of histological samples obtained via microbiopsy with traditional cytology.

Summary:

• Eighteen patients with thyroid nodules underwent microbiopsy using a 20-gauge biopsy gun.
• One case of cervical hematoma occurred, resolving rapidly.
• Pathology revealed follicular adenoma (14 cases), Hashimoto thyroiditis (1 case), and suspicious findings (3 cases).
• All microbiopsy samples were diagnostic, yielding more cellular and readable tissue than cytology specimens.

Impact:

• Microbiopsies demonstrate utility for histological analysis of thyroid nodules.
• This technique offers improved biopsy and reading efficiency compared to cytology.
• Enhanced diagnostic accuracy may reduce unnecessary surgical interventions for thyroid nodules.