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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:19
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
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Defining inappropriate thyroid biopsy?-Proposed definition based on clinical evidence and stakeholder engagement
Thao A Nguyen1, Juan P Brito2, Naykky Singh Ospina3
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Endocrine
|February 26, 2024
Summary
Assessing thyroid biopsy appropriateness involves more than just ultrasound risk. Factors like patient health, cancer risk, and preferences are crucial for determining if a biopsy is truly necessary.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Medical Quality Improvement
Background:
- Thyroid biopsies are common diagnostic procedures for thyroid nodules.
- Determining the necessity of a thyroid biopsy can be challenging, leading to potential overuse or underuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors for assessing thyroid biopsy appropriateness.
- To propose a practical pathway for defining inappropriate thyroid biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of clinical guidelines and existing research on thyroid biopsy indications.
- Multidisciplinary expert panel consensus including patients, clinicians, researchers, and quality experts.
Main Results:
- Identified critical factors: ultrasound risk, symptoms, cancer suspicion, life expectancy, comorbidities, surgical risk, personal risk factors, thyroid function, local resources, and patient values.
- Developed a tiered classification system for thyroid biopsy appropriateness, starting with ultrasound findings and incorporating patient-specific elements.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid biopsy appropriateness assessment is feasible.
- While ultrasound risk is key, incorporating patient-specific factors like life expectancy and preferences is essential.
- Further work is needed to implement these factors effectively in clinical practice.
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