DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION OF THYROID NODULE VERSES BIOPSY IN THYROID LESIONS

Authors

  • Inamullah Khan
  • Salma Naz
  • Zahid Mehmood Akhter
  • Nasir Aziz

Abstract

Bakground: FNA biopsy of thyroid is a rapid, minimally invasive, and cost effective first lineprocedure in the evaluation of thyroid nodule. This study was conducted to evaluate the cytologicalaccuracy, sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of solitary thyroid nodules incorrelation with post-surgical histological findings. Methods: This retrospective study was carriedout at Department of Pathology, Abbottabad International Medical College, Abbottabad fromJanuary 2009 to December 2010. A total of 81 patients with clinically palpable solitary thyroidnodule were included in the study. Thyroid function tests were initially performed followed byFNA of thyroid nodules later operated and histopathological examination was conducted on theexcised nodules. FNA diagnoses were correlated with the histological findings. The accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of the procedure were determined. Results: Out of 81 cases, 5 (6.2%)were unsatisfactory and 76 cases were satisfactory for cytological evaluation. Cytohistopathological correlation was carried out for these cases. The study showed a diagnosticaccuracy of 93% with sensitivity and specificity rates of 75% and 96% respectively. Positivepredictive value is 81% and negative predictive value is 95%. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration(FNA) has evolved as an accurate and sensitive diagnostic tool for the initial screening of patientswith thyroid nodules, and has reduced the need for unnecessary surgery.Keywords: Thyroid nodule, TSH, fine needle aspiration (FNA)

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Published

2010-12-01

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