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Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology vs. the Postoperative Histology - the Continuing Need for Multi-Disciplinary
G Gill1, K Kalyanasundaram2, G Varughese3
1Diabetes & Endocrinology, NHS, Stoke On Trent, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Summary
Thyroid nodule assessment shows potential discordance between fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) and post-operative histology. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for accurate thyroid nodule evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid nodules are common, requiring accurate diagnostic methods.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a primary diagnostic tool.
- Histology post-surgery provides definitive diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate concordance rates between FNA cytology and post-operative histology for thyroid nodules.
- To analyze diagnostic discrepancies over an 8-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 355 thyroid nodule cases.
- Exclusion of patients operated for hyperthyroidism.
- Comparison of FNA cytology results with surgical histology.
Main Results:
- Malignancy identified in 28% of cases (101/355).
- Malignancy rates were 5% for Thy1 and 9% for Thy2 FNA specimens.
- 7% of FNA cytology results indicating malignancy were contradicted by benign post-operative histology.
Conclusions:
- Significant potential for discordance exists between thyroid FNA cytology and histology.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal thyroid nodule assessment.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating FNA findings with clinical and histological data.
