Thyroid cytological and histopathological correlation study

Abstract

Aims Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered the cost effective procedure that provides specific diagnosis with minimal complications. The aim of the present study was to correlate the FNAC findings with histopathological findings of excised specimens. Methods This was a retrospective study of FN As reported between 2006 and 2012. Records of patients who underwent thyroid FNA and subsequent surgery were reviewed. The data collected were the cytological and histopathological diagnoses and statistical analysis of malignant, suspicious and atypical categories was performed. Results FNAC was performed on 585 thyroid lesions, with the histological correlation being available in 62 cases, over a period of 5 years. These 62 cases had been divided into five categories based on our locally developed system. Ninety-two percent of the specimens were considered adequate for diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for malignant and suspicious categories were analysed as 100%. The majority of the atypical category cases were found to be benign follicular or oncocytic adenomas. However, malignancy was identified in 18%. Discussion The FNA categorisation of benign and suspicious/ malignant in our institution was highly predictive. The atypical category was more diverse and emphasis should be laid on further investigation of these cases.