Fine Needle Aspiration in Thyroid Nodules - One Year Experience

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Thyroid nodules are common, requiring accurate characterization to differentiate benign from malignant conditions.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a primary diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules.
• Ultrasound guidance enhances the precision and safety of FNA procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USGFNA) in determining the nature of thyroid nodules.
• To correlate cytological findings from USGFNA with pathological characteristics.
• To assess the role of USGFNA in preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

• A total of 106 patients underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USGFNA) in an outpatient setting.
• A parallel approach was utilized, allowing real-time visualization of the needle within the thyroid nodule.
• Patient consent and local anesthesia were standard procedures; mild pain and dizziness were recorded as side effects.

Main Results:

• The study included 106 patients, predominantly women (90.5%). The median age was 47 ± 9 years.
• Cytological analysis revealed 5 cases of papillary carcinoma, 3 of Hurtle cell metaplasia, 1 follicular tumor, and 1 with unclear differentiation.
• USGFNA provided cytological data for nodule characterization.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USGFNA) is an accurate method for preoperative thyroid cancer diagnosis.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration among endocrinologists, pathologists, and surgeons is essential for optimal patient management.
• FNA biopsy, particularly when guided by ultrasound, remains a cornerstone diagnostic technique for thyroid nodules.