DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN THYROID SWELLING: A HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION STUDY
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Keywords
FNAC, Thyroid Swelling, Nodules, Lesions, Histopathological etc
Abstract
Introduction- Thyroid swellings are common, with malignancy in 5–15% of cases. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a key diagnostic tool due to its accuracy and cost-effectiveness. However, regional variations necessitate local validation. This study evaluates FNAC’s diagnostic accuracy by correlating cytology with histopathology to guide optimal management.
Material and methods- This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 15 months after ethical approval. A total of 120 patients with palpable thyroid swellings underwent clinical evaluation, ultrasound, FNAC, and histopathological examination. FNAC smears were reported using the Bethesda System. Statistical analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC compared to histopathological outcomes.
Result- Among 120 patients with thyroid swellings, FNAC revealed 56.7% benign, 13.3% malignant, and others in indeterminate categories. Histopathology confirmed 68.3% benign and 31.7% malignant lesions, with papillary carcinoma as the most common malignancy. FNAC showed high diagnostic performance (sensitivity: 82.4%, specificity: 94.6%, accuracy: 91.7%). Significant concordance with histopathology (p < 0.001) underscores FNAC’s reliability in preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules.
Conclusion- FNAC is a reliable, minimally invasive, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluating thyroid swellings. It demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy when compared to histopathology. FNAC aids in early diagnosis, appropriate clinical management, and helps reduce unnecessary surgeries, especially in resource-limited settings. Its diagnostic utility remains invaluable.
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Dr. Vidyanand Kumar
Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Daltonganj, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Raj Kishor Kumar
Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Mukesh Kumar
Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine. Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Dr. Gaur Chandra Gorain
Junior Resident Academic, Department of Pathology. Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India