SCOPE OF FNAC IN THYROID LESIONS AND STUDY OF HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to   evaluate sensitivity and specificity of FNAC of thyroid lesions and cytological features with histopathological study.

Methods: The present study was undertaken to analyze the role of FNA in the cytomorphological features of various thyroid lesions with histopathological correlation wherever the surgery was done and to determine its diagnostic accuracy. All the patients were clinically examined in detail according to the proforma and a careful palpation of the thyroid gland was done to judge precisely the location for aspiration. After brief explanation about the procedure to the patient, aspiration was done with the patient in supine or sitting position with extended neck, so as to make the thyroid swelling appear prominent. Results: Majority of the patients were females accounting for 88% forming a male to female ratio of 1:7.3. In the present study, it has been observed that the incidence of thyroid lesions were more in the age group of 21-40yrs with 58cases, and least common in the age group of 0-20yrs with 3 cases. The mean age is 39.66 yrs. The youngest patient was 20yrs female and oldest was 80yrs female. Among the total thyroid aspirations, 91% constituted Non-neoplastic lesions and the remaining 9% were Neoplastic lesions. Conclusion: FNAC of thyroid lesions has been shown to be safe, simple, cost effective and accurate method for the management of palpable thyroid lesions. It helps to categorize Non-neoplastic from Neoplastic thyroid lesions. Its use has decreased the number of surgeries performed. It is a minimally invasive technique done by disposable 10 cc syringe, with no complications. The syringe used in the present study, is cost effective than other expensive methods.

Keywords: FNAC, Thyroid lesions, Histopathological changes, Clinical evaluation, Thyroid swellings