Differences in cytopathologist thyroid nodule malignancy rate

Nondiagnostic Test Result Rates Following Thyroid Extra-Fine-Needle Aspiration

OBJECTIVES

The first Bethesda classification category of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is nondiagnostic (ND), which indicates that the specimen's cellularity is inadequate for evaluation. This work investigated the effect of needle diameter size on ND rates by comparing diagnostic outcomes of FNAB samples collected with 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge needles.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of samples collected from patients undergoing FNAB between 2018 and 2021. It was conducted in an otolaryngology department in a university teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Of the 699 aspirations, 144, 335, and 220 were performed using 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge needles, respectively. ND rates increased significantly when using 27-gauge compared with 23- to 25-gauge needles (P = .002), and a significantly lower ND rate was found for the 25-gauge needle compared with the 27-gauge needle (P = .001). Furthermore, increased nodule size was associated with reduced ND rate (odds ratio, 0.801; 95% confidence interval, 0.691-0.929).

CONCLUSIONS

The 25-gauge needles are superior to 27-gauge needles in reducing ND rates of thyroid nodule FNAB specimens. Future prospective studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

Incidental Thyroid Nodules on Imaging: Relevance and Management

Incidental thyroid nodules (ITNs) are commonly detected on imaging examinations performed for other reasons, particularly computed tomography (CT) (and now PET-CT and even PET-MR imaging), MR imaging, and sonography, primarily a consequence of the increasing sensitivity of these diagnostic modalities. Appropriate management of ITNs is crucial to avoid the cost and medical consequences of unnecessary workups.

Malignancy rates in thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda categories III and IV; a subcontinent perspective

BACKGROUND

Bethesda category III and IV thyroid nodules fall in the indeterminate risk of malignancy category. These nodules have been a relatively elusive entity to manage as previous studies have shown a wide variation in malignancy rates in different regions and institutions across the world. However, data from the subcontinent with regards to this is scarce.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the characteristics and malignancy rates of cytology proven Bethesda Category III and IV thyroid nodules and its association with clinical, histopathological and laboratory variables, in the regional population.

METHOD

A retrospective search was performed on all patients with thyroid nodules who presented to this hospital, from January 2011 to September 2018. Patients who had cytology proven Bethesda category III and IV thyroid nodules that underwent surgery were included in the study.

RESULTS

Malignancy in Bethesda Category III and Bethesda Category IV thyroid nodules was 29.6% and 47.1%, respectively. There was no significant association determined between malignancy rate and various clinical, histopathological, and radiological characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The malignancy rates in Bethesda category III and IV thyroid nodules in this study are significantly higher than that initially suggested by the Bethesda consensus publication but is comparable to international data present.

Standardization of thyroid fine needle aspiration procedure and outcomes within an endocrine surgery department

Background

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is an essential procedure for thyroid nodules. Although, the efficacy of surgeon-performed thyroid FNA biopsies has been demonstrated in the literature, there are insufficient data regarding how to establish an efficient program with a low insufficiency rate within a group practice.

Methods

An endocrine surgery thyroid FNA biopsy program was established in 2000 by one surgeon, with training of additional partners during fellowship and upon recruitment. The results within 18 years were analyzed. The FNA biopsies were performed by endocrine surgeons under ultrasound guidance without on-site pathologist review.

Results

A total of 5,469 FNA biopsies were performed by 7 surgeons. The total number of FNA biopsies performed by each surgeon varied between 291-1,378. FNA biopsies were performed in 2 passes using 22-gauge needles under constant suction. The overall insufficiency rate was 4.3%, with individual surgeon rates ranging between 2.7% and 7.2%. The insufficiency rate for the whole team ranged between 3.3% and 5% when examined in 5-year blocks.

Conclusions

This study shows that an establishment of a highly efficient thyroid FNA biopsy program within a group practice is possible with a structured endocrine surgical training and adoption of a standard technique.