Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development
Published on: June 6, 2014
[Fine needle cytology of the thyroid gland]
Aasmund Berner1, Manohar Pradhan, Lars Jørgensen
1Fagområde patologi, Seksjon for cytologi, Radiumhospitalet, 0310 Oslo. aasmund.berner@labmed.uio.no
Background:
Application of fine needle cytology (FNC) is important in the preoperative assessment of thyroid lesions. The method is rapid, minimally invasive and cost effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of fine needle cytology at The Norwegian Radium Hospital in the management of thyroid nodules.
Material And Methods:
Data on FNC and comparable histology results were retrieved from the pathology database during the 5-year-period 1998 through 2003. 1770 FNC samples and corresponding histology results from 443 lesions were compared. Reviews of cytological slides were done in 39 discrepant cases and quality assessment parameters calculated.
Results:
High complete sensitivity (77.5%) and specificity (90.1%) were found. The false positive rate was 1.2% and the false negative rate 23.7%. Inadequate FNCs were particularly seen in submitted specimens. A review of the discrepant cases showed that the main cause of false negative samples was sampling error. Micropapillary carcinoma was the predominant tumour type with false negative FNC. Eleven malignancies were diagnosed in repeat FNC specimens.
Interpretation:
FNC is a highly reliable test to assess whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant. Diagnostic pitfalls are mainly due to inability to procure the diagnostic material.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:17Studying the Cytoskeleton
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...