Correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological examination in the diagnosis of spectrum of thyroid lesions

Abstract

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the thyroid gland is a convincingly, determining test for the assessment of thyroid lesions and an efficient test for the preoperative diagnosis.fA hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Pathology, Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Assam over a period of 1-year. A total of 63 patients with thyroid lesions were undertaken for FNAC and HPE. Their cytological, and histopathological correlation was done. 15 True positive cases, 40 True negative cases, 4 False negative and 4 false positive cases were seen in FNAC with the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 78.9%, 90.9 % and 87.3% respectively.FNAC was found to be highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing thyroid lesions, however, it depends on the efficiency and expertise of performing experts and the experience of the Pathologist in forming a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, careful procurement, appropriate sample preparation and accurate interpretation by pathologists are necessary.