[Results of microscopic image analysis of the thyroid gland fine needle biopsies]

In previous cytomorphometrical studies applying a microscopic image analysis system it was shown that follicular adenomas and highly differentiated follicular carcinomas of the thyroid gland can be distinguished. Basing on these results, the usefulness of the method was examined in selected cases of routine materials. 143 fine needle biopsies were analysed by means of the image analysis system. Moreover, in 52 cases the results could be checked by histological investigations of surgical samples. In comparison with the cytomorphological findings, the results of the cytomorphometrical analysis demonstrate a higher grade of assurance of the diagnostic statements. It was confirmed, that it is possible to diagnose highly differentiated follicular carcinomas of the thyroid gland with the method demonstrated above.