Application of pattern analysis in fine needle aspiration of solitary nodule of thyroid

Effectiveness of the Pattern-Based Approach in the Cytodiagnosis of Salivary Gland Lesions

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate, primarily, the effectiveness of the application of pattern-based analysis in the diagnosis of salivary gland (SG) lesions. Secondarily, an attempt was made to study the cytomorphology of the various lesions in detail and discuss the pitfalls and solutions involved in the challenging conditions at cytology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. All SG lesions over 2 years were subjected to fine-needle aspiration cytology with patients' prior informed consent. The lesions were classified based on the predominant pattern, and a provisional diagnosis was made. The secondary pattern and other features, such as background, were then taken note of, and a combined cytological diagnosis was rendered. The entire spectrum of lesions was divided into 6 morphological categories.

RESULTS

We had a total of 72 SG lesions. The most commonly affected gland was the parotid gland in 79.16% (57/72) of the cases. Surgery was performed in 26 cases (36.11%). A concordant diagnosis was obtained in 22 cases. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy by the pattern-based approach was 75, 100 and 88.46%, respectively. There were no false-positive cases, but 2 false-negative cases were recorded.

CONCLUSION

The precise cytological preoperative diagnosis of SG lesions is important for the management of patients. The pattern-based approach can be used routinely in the cytological diagnosis of SG lesions.

Fine needle aspiration cytology as the primary diagnostic tool in thyroid enlargement

Background:

In the preoperative decision-making of the thyroid swellings, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is becoming an ever more vital tool.

Objectives:

To compare the advantage of preoperative FNAC of thyroid swellings with postoperative histopathology to reach a consensus protocol as a simple procedure for diagnosis and optimal management of thyroid swellings.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study of preoperative FNAC was carried out on 178 incidental thyroid swellings attending a tertiary care centre in Kishanganj, Bihar. Evidence-based surgical interventions were done, irrespective of FNAC findings and diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination (HPE) postoperatively in all the cases.

Results:

In the FNAC, preponderance of the cases (75.84%) was colloid goitre followed by granulomatous thyroiditis; follicular carcinoma was noted in 7.30 percent and anaplastic carcinoma in 3.37 percent of cases. Histopathological examination showed colloid goitre predominantly (76.97%), followed by follicular carcinoma (8.99%). The overall prevalence of malignancy was 11.24 percent diagnosed by HPE and 9.55 percent by FNAC. In our FNAC series sensitivity of was 90 percent while specificity was 100 percent; accuracy was 98.88 percent. Predictive value of a positive test and negative tests was 100 percent and 98.75 percent respectively.

Conclusion:

The study highlights that FNAC should be treated as a first-line diagnostic test for thyroid swellings to guide the management though this is not a substitute for HPE as a need to improve primary healthcare in India.

Role of Multiparameter Analysis of AgNORs in FNA Smears of Thyroid Swellings in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Lesions

Background. The aim of this study is to assess the role of multiparameter analysis of silver (Ag)-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) technique on aspiration smears of thyroid swellings to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. Materials and Methods. Aspiration smears from 166 cases of thyroid swellings were examined. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 61 cases. AgNOR staining was done on FNA smears according to silver-staining protocol proposed by the International Committee for AgNOR quantification. Multiparameter analysis of AgNORs such as mAgNOR, pAgNOR, and AgNOR size grade was done on 50–100 cells under oil immersion lens. Results. AgNOR parameter of benign and malignant thyroid lesions was compared and was found to be statistically significant. Out of 157 satisfactory AgNOR stained cases, 148 (94.3%) were benign lesions and 9 (5.7%) cases were malignant lesions. In AgNOR analysis, sensitivity was found to be 83.33%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 98.21%, and accuracy was 98.36%. Conclusions. AgNOR analysis in the FNA smears is a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid swellings.