Thyroid cytology reporting by the Bethesda System: A two-year experience at an academic institute

Abstract

Introduction: Present study was aimed to report thyroid FNACs according to the latest guidelines given by the TBSRTC into diagnostic categories and subcategories, analyse category-wise cytomorphological characteristics and provide brief management guidelines to the treating consultants. Materials and Methods: A total 276 patients with thyroid lesions were studied using non-aspiration FNA technique. The stained cytological slides were reported according to the TBSRTC monograph. The cytomorphological findings were compared with clinical findings and relevant investigations. Result: Of 276 lesions, 240 (86.96%) cases were females. The commonest age group was 31-40 years. Benign category was the largest (84.78%) followed by non-diagnostic/unsatisfactory which was 6.16%. Malignant and suspicious of malignancy constituted 1.45% and 1.09% respectively. Conclusion: Majority of thyroid lesions were benign and the Bethesda monograph provides uniform reporting system along with management guidelines, thus reduces inter observer variability and unnecessary surgical procedures. Keywords: Bethesda, FNAC, Goiter, Thyroid.