Fine Needle Aspiration in Thyroid Nodules - One Year Experience

AIM To estimate suspect nodule for benign or malignant characteristics, and to verify cytological features of the node with the fine needle aspiration (FNA) under ultrasound. DESIGN A total of 106 patients were analyzed. FNA biopsy was performed at outpatient clinic via ultrasound. Inform consent was signed for each patient. Preparation of procedure with local anaesthesia was made by assistant nurse. PROCEDURE Parallel approach of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (USGFNA) was used for each patient. This approach allows the operator to observe needle penetration, location and pathway of the entire needle within the neck, thyroid and nodule, which remain visible on the monitor. As a side effect commonly noticed mild pain and dizziness were recorded. RESULTS General findings: According the gender, 96 (90.5%) of them were women and 10 (9.5%) men. Median age was 47 ± 9 years. Cytological findings: 5 patients were with papillary carcinoma, 3 with Hurtle cell metaplasia, 1 follicular tumour and 1 with unclear differentiation. CONCLUSION Close collaboration between endocrinologists, morphologists and surgeons in a multidisciplinary frame is the key to correct preoperative thyroid cancer diagnosis and optimal treatment. FNA biopsy remains the most accurate diagnostic method in detecting thyroid cancer.