FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY AS A FIRST LINE INVESTIGATION IN THYROID LESIONS

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is regarded as the gold standard investigation in diagnosis of thyroid swellings especially to rule out need of surgery. Aims: To study role of FNAC in thyroid lesions. Materials and Methods : During period of 1 year from 1st January to 31st December 2011 aspiration cytology is been carried out in 194 thyroid swellings reffered to cytology department of our institute which is a tertiary care hospital in Surat to study the role of FNA cytology in various thyroid lesions. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed using mainly non-aspiration and aspiration techniques. Results: The cytological samples were assessed by qualified consultant pathologist and were classified as inadequate, non-neoplastic, neoplastic, and indeterminate. Fine needle aspiration cytology analysis revealed 180 (92.78%) non-neoplastic, 10 (5.16%) neoplastic and 4 (2.06%) indeterminate aspirates. 15 (7.73%) samples were inadequate from total of 194 samples. Conclusion:The results are comparable with the current published data and demonstrate that FNA cytology in our hands is accurate investigation for further management of thyroid lesions. Also The Bethesda System of Reporting thyroid cytology is vital guide and should be followed to maintain uniformity as a guide to further management.