Cytology in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions--a review

Fine needle aspiration cytology is today one of the first line investigations for palpable and deep seated masses. Non aspiration fine needle cytology is another recently described cytologic technique. The thyroid gland is one of the common head and neck structures to be subjected to cytologic sampling. Cytology has proved to be a highly sensitive and specific investigative modality in solitary cold thyroid nodules on the basis of which the therapeutic protocol is decided. By providing an accurate morphologic diagnosis in most of the neoplastic lesions, cytology enables pre-operative planning of the extent of surgery. It is also an excellent method for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients harboring inflammatory or autoimmune thyroid lesions.