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Does fine-needle aspiration biopsy really spare patients thyroidectomy?
J S Julian1, C E Pittman, L Accettullo
1Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103.
The American Surgeon
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy accurately guides nonoperative management for nodular thyroid disease. This approach spares patients unnecessary thyroidectomy, reducing risks and costs.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Nodular thyroid disease evaluation commonly utilizes fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.
- Clinical and cytologic criteria often guide immediate surgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of FNA biopsy in guiding nonoperative management of nodular thyroid disease.
- To determine if FNA biopsy avoids or merely delays thyroidectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 54 patients with nodular thyroid disease managed nonoperatively after FNA biopsy.
- Follow-up evaluation ranging from 16 to 92 months.
Main Results:
- 96% of patients (52/54) did not undergo thyroidectomy during follow-up.
- No new surgical indications developed in patients managed nonoperatively.
- The 2 patients who underwent thyroidectomy had benign disease.
Conclusions:
- FNA biopsy, with adequate clinical follow-up, accurately guides nonoperative management of nodular thyroid disease.
- FNA biopsy can spare patients the cost and risks associated with thyroidectomy.