Thin needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland

Between 1973 and December 1978, the authors performed 133 thin needle aspiration biopsies of the thyroid gland. Thin needle aspiration biopsy has proved valuable in this series and may save some patients the necessity of thyroid surgery. The procedure, performed quickly, results in a diagnosis usually available minutes later, and a definite patient disposition can be made promptly. At a time of medical cost containment, this procedure will become more important in patient care. Review of our aspirations through 1977 revealed three false negative biopsies and two false positive reports. Important differential characteristics between follicular neoplasm and nodular or adenomatous goiter will be discussed. Neoplasms appear to represent a smaller percentage of cold thyroid nodules than reported elsewhere.