Cytomorphological Profile of Thyroid Lesions on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of thyroid offers an alternative, as an immediate, preliminary procedure associated with low cost, little trauma and complications. Being superficial and easily accessible it is an ideal organ for FNAC. It is useful in diagnosis of inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytomorphological profile of thyroid lesions on FNAC with application of Bethesda system for reporting and perform cyto-histopathology correlation whenever possible with regards to age and sex distribution. Methodology: This two-year prospective study was conducted in the Cytology section of Pathology Department & included 243 cases of thyroid gland enlargement. The detailed history of the patient including age, sex, presenting symptoms and duration of thyroid gland enlargement along with any other significant findings was note. FNAC was performed as per the protocol using a 23-gauge needle and smears stained using Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Papanicolaou stain, while air-dried smears were stained with Giemsa stain. Results: The study period included a total of 243 FNACs of thyroid enlargement. The age of patients ranged from 10 to 80 years with male to female ratio of 1.4. The diagnosis on FNAC was as follows Colloid Goitre (54.7 %), Lymphocytic Thyroiditis (9.54%), Follicular Neoplasm (7.05%), Hashimoto Thyroiditis (5.80 %), Benign Thyroid Lesions (3.31%) and Multinodular Goitre (2.90%). Conclusion: Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology has proven to be a first line tool to evaluate the thyroid lesions because of its cost effectiveness and high patient acceptance. Fine needle aspiration cytology is highly successful in triaging patients with thyroid nodules into operative and non-operative groups and enables surgeons to take an early decision regarding mode of treatment. The Bethesda system for reporting of thyroid lesions aims at standardization of reports. It makes the cytology report unambiguous and clinically relevant. Keywords: Fine needle aspiration cytology, thyroid lesions.