Fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules

According to National Guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer published in March, 2002, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) should be performed in planning for surgery in patients with suspected thyroid lesions.

Ultrasound guidance may be of value in aiding FNAC but is not mandatory. A surgeon or physician with reasonable expertise may do it without assistance from ultrasound guidance.

Non-diagnostic histology results should lead to repeat FNAC. Two diagnostically benign cytology results from the lesion at least 3 to 6 months apart are deemed adequate to exclude malignancy. Suspicious cytology should be taken seriously and the patient referred for excision, as in the case of malignant cytology from FNAC.

Reference

• http://www.british-thyroid-association.org/guidelines.htm