Value of coarse needle biopsy in thyroid nodules as first-line diagnostic tool

Abstract

Objective:By retrospectively analyzing the results of ultrasound guided coarse needle biopsy（CNB） of thyroid nodules based on large samples, so as to evaluate its diagnostic value as first-line diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules. Method:From October 2015 to November 2017, a total of 508 nodules were studied from 474 patients who underwent CNB in general surgery department of tianjin first central hospital. The nondiagnostic rate, inconclusive rate, unnecessary surgery rate and complication rate of thyroid nodules diagnosed by CNB were calculated. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CNB in thyroid cancer diagnosis were analyzed. The correlation between inconclusive diagnostic results and ultrasonic findings like echogenicity, composition, margin, calcification type, blood supply and nodule size was analyzed. Result:The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of CNB diagnosis were 97.27%, 99.17%, 99.07%, 99.45% and 99.36%, respectively. However, the nondiagnostic rate, the inconclusive rate, the conclusive rate and the unnecessary surgery rate of thyroid nodules diagnosed by CNB were 2.95%, 7.09%, 92.92% and 1.86%, respectively. Conclusion:Ultrasound guided coarse needle biopsy might be safe and reliable for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, with relatively stable diagnostic effect. It is not only of high diagnostic value but also can significantly reduce diagnostic surgery. Therefore, CNB could be the preferred examinational method for nodules with suspicious ultrasonic findings.